In his nomination for the prestigious award, Dr. Fearon was recognized as a leader in providing transformative education opportunities to benefit academia, and is commended for his vision in equity, inclusion and community empowerment which has influenced significant positive change across Ontario.
Niagara Health Board Press Release, January 3, 2024
Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College and a founding past-Co-Chair of the Canada-Caribbean Institute has been appointed to the Order of Ontario.
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario announced 25 new appointments to the Order of Ontario for 2023. The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour and is awarded to individuals whose exceptional achievements have left a lasting legacy in the province and beyond.
The announcement noted that
“Former President and Vice-Chancellor at Brock University, Brandon University and currently President of George Brown College, Dr. Gervan Fearon has a vision for equity, inclusion and community empowerment. A veteran educator, he leads efforts to provide transformative education opportunities that benefit learners, industry and the greater community. His influential contributions to the white paper, “Towards a Vision for the Black Community,” pioneered ideas for positive change.”
“I am humbled to be a recipient of the Order of Ontario. It has been an honour to contribute to others and the province through my efforts in post-secondary education, community development and volunteerism,” said Fearon. “I thank all the wonderful people that I have been so fortunate to work and interact with over the years, including those individuals across the Niagara region and at Niagara Health. Congratulations to the other individuals honoured and I thank those who nominated and supported me.”
Read the full Niagara Health Board press release here.