News & Updates

TIMMINS, ON: Northern College is pleased to announce that it is honouring former longtime President, Dr. Fred Gibbons.

Due to COVID restrictions over the past two years, the College had been unable to celebrate the contributions of Gibbons in person, who served as leader of the organization for eleven years, from 2009 to 2020.

Northern College will be recognizing Dr. Gibbons and his contributions by dedicating the Integrated Emergency Services Complex (IESC) Student Commons in honour of him. In attendance will be the Mayor of Timmins, Her Worship Kristin Murray, with a congratulatory message, as well as a message by the Provincial Minister of Mines and Member of Provincial Parliament, the Honourable George Pirie.

“No student can walk the halls of any of our campuses without seeing the impact that Dr. Gibbons has had on Northern College,” stated Northern College President and CEO, Dr. Audrey J. Penner. “His vision has helped to define a path forward for our institution and being able to honour his contributions in this small way is something that we are proud and pleased to do.”

Dr. Gibbons has been a dedicated, passionate and energetic leader for Northern College, instrumental in positioning Northern as a college of choice for students, industry and community partners. He spearheaded various initiatives to improve and expand campus facilities and has forged partnerships and collaborations that have moved the College forward while benefiting communities within the College’s catchment area.

Under his leadership, the College saw major construction projects completed with the opening of the Centre of Excellence for Trades in Technology in 2010, the addition of the East End Family Health Team’s new facilities in 2010, and more recently the opening of the Integrated Emergency Services Complex in 2018 and the launch of a newly created Innovation Hub.

The IESC building was a passion project for Gibbons, who led its conception, fundraising, multi-partner and government support, design, and construction.

“I am grateful to be recognized in this way today. It has been an honour to serve Northern College during my tenure here. Along with these expanded facilities came learning opportunities for our students, and that has been my key motivation during my time with the College,” stated Gibbons of the occasion. “I continue to see the impact of what having a post-secondary institution like Northern in the region does for economic development, a stronger work force, as well as fulfilling our promise of delivering empowerment and experiential learning for families and communities, including Indigenous rights holders,” added Gibbons.

In addition to the dedication of the IESC Student Commons, Northern College has also recognized Dr. Gibbons with Meritorious Recognition on the Wall of Honour of all four campuses, awarded to members of the organization who clearly exemplify the values of the College and who have clearly demonstrated a commitment education and development at Northern.

Northern College is proud to honour Gibbons legacy as President and his commitment to education, students and the growth of Northeastern Ontario.