Outstanding Alumni Awards

The Outstanding Alumni Awards celebrate VCC graduates and supporters who make a meaningful impact in their fields and communities. We recognize alum whose achievements, leadership, and contributions reflect VCC’s values and inspire others each year.

Nominate a VCC alum

Nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards are open year-round. Submissions received by March 1 will be considered for the 2025 awards.All nominations are kept on file and considered for three years unless withdrawn.

Nominate an alum today

Celebrating our 2025 recipients

Congratulations to our 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients! Honorees were celebrated at an on-campus event on Thursday, June 26, 2025. They were recognized for their inspiring contributions and dedication across four award categories.

Ernesto Reyes – Community Contribution

Meet Ernesto, a highly respected role model in the nursing profession who leads with dedication and compassion. Drawing on his many years working as a licensed practical nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital, Ernesto has served as preceptor for 17 VCC students, guiding and inspiring them through their clinical training.

Mike Steele – Community Contribution

Mike is a proud VCC alum who is developing the next generation of cooks in BC. He has guided VCC students to excellent results at national competitions and has represented VCC in international ones. Mike is an outstanding Culinary Arts instructor and a respected mentor to newer instructors within the Culinary Arts Department.

Cathy Larson – Career Success

Cathy has spent over 30 years shaping the future of dental care at VCC and beyond. She is pivotal to the success of VCC’s Certified Dental Assistant program and contributes her deep knowledge of dentistry and its professional governance for the BC College of Oral Health Professionals and National Dental Assisting Examining Board.

Camille Francisco – One to Watch

Meet Camille, who graduated from VCC’s Business & Project Management program. Since 2023, Camille has worked as a property manager for the YWCA where she’s a powerful advocate for women: working closely with single mothers, women fleeing abuse, and women in recovery by providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Chef Andrew George – Lifetime Achievement

Meet Andrew George, a lifelong trailblazer of BC’s culinary industry, particularly Indigenous culinary arts. Andrew was the first person of Indigenous heritage to receive their Red Seal in professional cooking. His many accomplishments and accolades include creating VCC’s Professional Cook 1 with Indigenous Content program; showcasing Indigenous cuisine to visitors of the 2010 Olympic Games; and being inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Elder Deanna George – Honourary Alumna

Elder Deanna George is a member of the səl̓ilw̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nation and was VCC’s Elder-in-Residence for 16 years. Her strength, wisdom, and welcoming spirit are essential parts of the VCC experience for students and staff. Like many esteemed Elders, she generously offers the kind of guidance that comes from lived experience and a heart rooted in community.

Ernesto Reyes – Community Contribution

Mike Steele – Community Contribution

Cathy Larson – Career Success

Camille Francisco – One to Watch

Chef Andrew George – Lifetime Achievement

Elder Deanna George – Honourary Alumna

Meet our past Alumni Award recipients

Each recipient has taken their VCC experience into the world in meaningful ways. From local impact to global reach, their stories show what’s possible when learning leads with purpose. Meet the grads who continue to inspire us.