Hon. Jean Augustine named Fellow of Centennial College

TORONTO, June 12, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jean Augustine has been named a Fellow of Centennial College for her contributions to Canada and her work to improve the lives of women and girls. The announcement and presentation were made on June 12 after she addressed graduates of Centennial's School of Community and Health Studies during spring convocation.

Ms. Augustine was appointed as the first Fairness Commissioner for Ontario in 2007. Each year, she strives to make a better future for young women through the Jean Augustine Scholarship, a fund that helps single mothers attend Centennial College and George Brown College in Toronto.

Born in Grenada, Ms. Augustine immigrated to Canada in 1960 and attended the University of Toronto, where she earned Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees. She worked as an elementary school principal and went on to become Chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority.

Ms. Augustine has the distinction of being the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to Canada's Parliament in 1993, representing the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore until 2006. In that time, she served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Minister of State for Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

"Jean's incredible track record serving our diverse communities, with a special emphasis on helping women and girls overcome deep-seated and systemic challenges, compelled us to honour this remarkable woman," says Ann Buller, President and CEO of Centennial College. "Her enthusiasm and tireless commitment to helping women and girls reach higher is an inspiration to us all."

In addition to the many community awards she has received, Ms. Augustine was given the Luminary Award by the University of the West Indies in 2006, and has received honourary doctor of law degrees from the University of Toronto, as well as Guelph, McGill and York universities. Centennial College, Ontario's oldest public college, confers fellowships upon noteworthy citizens rather than honourary degrees.

SOURCE: Centennial College

Media contact: Mark Toljagic, Communications Officer, Centennial College, 416-289-5000, ext. 7142/[email protected]