ACC Alumni Association announces 2015 award winners

The ACC Alumni Association is pleased to announce the recipients of four annual alumni awards that will be presented at the fourth annual Alumni Advancement Dinner on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

This year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented to an alumnus of the college who has distinguished themselves in both their chosen profession and their community, is Jeff Vassart. Jeff was born and raised near Pilot Mound, Man., and graduated from the Agribusiness program in 1996. Currently, Jeff is the President for Cargill Limited, a position he has held since 2013. He serves as a Director of Wynyard Insurance and is a member of the Business Council of Manitoba and the Canadian Council for Chief Executives. Jeff also participates in and coaches a number of sports and activities with his children.

The Community Service Award recognizes an alumnus of ACC who has positively impacted the quality of people’s lives through the service of others. The Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Dave Botterillis this year's recipient. Dave, originally from Brandon, graduated in 1981 from the Business Administration program and has had a successful career in management and business development in the IT sector. Dave has been involved in humanitarian efforts in Haiti, Peru and Mexico, assisting victims of natural disasters, providing food and livestock to impoverished families, building homes, clinics and orphanages in various communities and bringing computer and school supplies to children in these countries. Dave is also on the board of directors for Inn from the Cold, an emergency family shelter in Calgary, where Dave resides with his family.

The One to Watch Award honours graduates who are 30 years of age or younger at the time of nomination who have made exceptional achievements and significant contributions to his or her profession and/or community. The Alumni Association is pleased to announce that Leonard Sumner is this year's recipient. Leonard is originally from Little Saskatchewan River First Nation, Man., and graduated from Media Production (now Interactive Media Arts) in 2007. He is an accomplished musician who was named Best New Artist at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards in September 2014. Leonard now resides in Winnipeg and is working on his music career full-time. He also visits communities, sharing his music and speaking to young people.

The Excellence in Teaching Award honours a faculty member for extraordinary contributions to teaching and the student experience. The Alumni Association is proud to announce that Jerrylynn Manuel is the recipient of this year's award. Jerrylynn, originally from Winnipeg, is an instructor in the School of Health and Human Services, teaching students in the Practical Nursing program at ACC’s Winnipeg Campus and rural locations. Jerrylynn helps organize study groups, arranges peer tutors and looks for opportunities to provide her students with exceptional learning experiences.

Award recipients will be recognized on February 19, 2015 at the Alumni Advancement Dinner at The Lady of the Lake in Brandon. For more information or to purchase tickets for the dinner, please call Erin Lambert, Alumni Relations Coordinator at 204.725.8700 ext 7124.