SARNIA, November 21, 2025 – Their impact spans industries, communities, and borders, and Lambton College is celebrating the alumni whose achievements have earned them nominations for the 2025 Premier’s Awards, one of Ontario’s top honours for college graduates.
On Monday, November 24, the College will celebrate a select group of notable alumni during the annual Premier’s Awards ceremony in Toronto. This year, the Lambton College Alumni Association is pleased to nominate six graduates across six categories: Aaron Weir, Brian Duquette, Jane Mathews, Kim-Ann Wilson, and Phyllis George.
“College graduates have a tremendous impact across Ontario, Canada, and around the world, and that is truly evident in our Sarnia-Lambton community where Lambton Alumni make a huge difference every day,” said Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College. “It’s an honour to nominate our extraordinary graduates for these prestigious awards.”
The Premier’s Awards is an annual Colleges Ontario event honouring outstanding college graduates whose contributions are felt across Ontario and beyond. Each year, over 100 graduates are nominated for their achievements in areas including entrepreneurship, skilled trades, health care, STEM, community services, the arts, and Francophone outreach.
This year, Lambton College is proud to nominate the following alumni:
Aaron Weir: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation
A 2002 graduate of the Microsoft Certified Engineer Program at Lambton College, Aaron Weir is now the CEO & Founder of Leadwave Technologies, transforming IT across Southwestern Ontario. Since 2006, he has transformed the company from a basement start-up to a regional IT leader, serving 30+ cities within Ontario and multiple U.S. states. His impact includes strategic mergers, proactive IT service delivery, and deep investment in talent development.
Brian Duquette: Workforce & Skilled Trades Advancement
Brian Duquette is a transformative leader in the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) industry, known for innovation, safety, and community impact. As Founder and President of Interface Testing Services, he has grown the company to serve over 427 clients. Brian’s efforts have expanded the NDT workforce in Lambton County by 380%, creating over 100 skilled jobs. His education in welding laid the foundation for his success, blending technical excellence with visionary entrepreneurship.
Jane Mathews: Health Care and Community Well-being
Jane is a transformative healthcare leader and Vice President of Clinical Support Services and Chief Nursing Executive at Bluewater Health. She has advanced healthcare quality, workforce development, and patient-centered care through strategic leadership and data-driven innovation. Known for emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and systems thinking, she empowers inclusive, high-performing teams that drive measurable improvements in healthcare delivery and patient experience.
Kim-Ann Wilson: Entrepreneurship & Economic Development
Kim-Ann is a business strategist, entrepreneur, and community leader redefining marketing education for underrepresented entrepreneurs across Canada. As founder of Marketing Defined, she has supported over 5,000 entrepreneurs through culturally relevant, faith-integrated programs. A speaker, mentor, and co-designer of national training programs, she also co-owns Edmonton’s first Jamaican grocery store. With a Business Administration background and national recognition, Kim-Ann champions inclusive entrepreneurship through mentorship, youth development, and equity-driven leadership.
Phyllis George: Cultural and Creative Achievement
Phyllis is a transformative leader in Indigenous community and economic development, with over 35 years of impact. She has supported over 200 community-owned businesses and led initiatives that blend traditional Indigenous values with modern enterprise. As General Manager of Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, she secures funding, mentors youth and fosters sustainable growth. Phyllis champions reconciliation, cultural pride, and education.
For more information on this year’s nominees and the annual Premier’s Awards ceremony, go to co-awards.org.
Lambton College is always looking to honour notable alumni. If you know of a graduate who has an inspiring story to share, please contact the Lambton College Alumni Association at alumni@lambtoncollege.ca.
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