Fleming College Celebrate Phoenix Athletes With 53rd Varsity Awards Banquet

Over 130 student-athletes from Fleming College celebrated another athletic season and recognized exceptional players at the 53rd Annual Phoenix Varsity Awards Banquet on April 10.

Nicole Roy (left) and Thomas Kitchen (right) winning Women’s and Men’s Athlete of the year respectively and other high-honour awards at the banquet. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The special highlighted team, following their historic double-gold national championship win this season, were the Men’s and Women’s Loggersports teams. The Loggersports program took home the Male and Female Athlete of the Year, Female All-Around Athlete of the Year, All-Academic and Coach of the Year awards.

The 2025-2026 Fleming Phoenix varsity athlete awards were presented to:

Eric O’Rourke Memorial All-Around Athlete: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed at a high level while demonstrating leadership, commitment, and dedication.

• Nicole Roy – Women’s Loggersports

• Ryan Clarke – Men's Volleyball and Men’s Soccer

Jack Barley Memorial Athlete of the Year: Presented to a male and female athlete who performed exceptional achievements within their sport while maintaining academic eligibility.

• Nicole Roy – Women's Loggersports

• Thomas Kitchen – Men's Loggersports

Rachel Spearing Award: Presented to a women’s rugby player who demonstrated heart, spirit, sportsmanship, and dedication on the field.

• Sara Petersen – Women's Rugby Sevens

Kris Starr and Adam Evans Awards: Presented to a loggersports athlete who shows heart, spirit, dedication, and love of the sport.

• Kris Starr Award: Sayre Hart – Loggersports

• Adam Evans Award: Jacob Ricker – Loggersports

All-Academic Award: Presented to the athlete with the highest academic average who achieved a balance in their sport and in academics.

• Sarah Porter – Women’s Loggersports

Fred Batley Coach of the Year Award: Presented to a coach driven by the passion they have for their sport, who goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere, and ensure their student-athletes have the best possible experience.

• Al Cavers – Loggersports

OCAA Academic and Athletic Excellence Award: Presented to OCAA athletes who achieve an honours GPA at their college, as well as receiving an OCAA honours award.

• Ashley Smith – Women's Rugby Sevens

Most Valuable Player Award: Recognized by their respective team for significant contribution to their team’s success.

• Ashley Smith – Women’s Rugby Sevens

• Emma Radley – Women’s Soccer

• Ryan Clarke – Men’s Soccer

• Mattea Miller-Evans - Women’s Loggersports

• Thomas Kitchen – Men’s Loggersports

• Owen Wisman – Men’s Basketball

• Samantha de Koning – Women’s Volleyball

• Calvin Dekok – Men’s Volleyball

Rookie of the Year Award: Recognized by their respective team for outstanding skills and positive integration with the team.

• Charlotte Murray – Women’s Rugby Sevens

• Claire Deschatelets – Women’s Soccer

• Aidan Sproule – Men’s Soccer

• Morgan Specht – Women’s Loggersports

• Lyndon Jarbeau – Men’s Loggersports

• Nathan Walters – Sundararajah – Men’s Basketball

• Guinevere Hallock – Women’s Volleyball

• Jordan Flynn – Men’s Volleyball

There were 30 student athletes were awarded for achieving an honours-level grade point average (GPA) while balancing the demands of varsity-level competition.

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Ten Local Women Facing Employment Barriers Complete Welding Training at Fleming College

Through a training and program-delivery partnership with the Canadian Welders Bureau (CWB) Foundation, 10 local women facing barriers to employment have successfully completed eight weeks of hands-on welding and computer training at Fleming College.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The training is part of CWB’s free 16-week WeldHER+ pre-employment program, which also includes an eight-week paid placement with one of Fleming’s placement employers.

With the first WeldHER + cohort recently completing the program, each participant has now taken their next steps towards meaningful, skilled trades careers. Eight participants gained full-time employment with their placement employer and two chose to advance their professional skills through full-time studies in the Welding and Fabrication program.

Fleming College delivered a technical training experience, led by welding faculty in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre. Through the program, the women had the opportunity to earn up to eight CWB welding qualifications and become well prepared for apprenticeships and immediate employment. Employers affirmed this high-skill-level training, consistently reporting strong performance, job readiness, and strong growth among WeldHER+ participants.

Applications are now being accepted for the next WeldHER+ pre-employment program intake. In-class sessions at Fleming College run from May 19 to July 3, followed by a placement opportunity from July to September. Community members, referral agencies and employer partners are encouraged to connect early to support participation and placement opportunities.

For more information or to apply, reach out via e-mail.

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Fleming College Student Administrative Council Recognizes Student Leaders

Fleming College students celebrated some of the school’s top leaders at their annual awards ceremony held in the Steele Centre on April 9.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating these students who have been actively engaged in the Fleming community and the broader Peterborough community,” says Joel Willett, General Manager.

The Student Leaders are as follows:

Street Team Awards

Fletcher Boultbee, Janveet Singh, Logan Stacey, Peyton Kemp, Rashi Nandal, and Sophiya Thakuri

Awarded to student representatives who demonstrate exceptional involvement, engage their peers and bring campus life to the next level.

Student Administrative Council President’s Award (dedicated in honour of Bill Johnson): Janveet Singh

Selected by the SAC Board Chair and Board of Directors, this award is given to a student who exemplifies school spirit.

Iain Steele Leadership Award: Princy Rana

Awarded to a student who demonstrates great ambition, is innovative and has a high degree of moral standards and integrity.

Iain Steele Community Service Award: Jan Daryl Bautista

Awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment to serving the community and has a high degree of integrity.

Renie Steele Award: Dee Brathwaite

Awarded to a student who displays citizenship, understanding and compassion towards fellow students.

Environmental Stewardship Award: Micheal Rodin

Given to a student who displays a responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

Fleming SAC Advocacy Award: Shraddha

Given to a student who demonstrates advocacy and a strong passion for invoking change.

Student Experience Awards

Student Life Volunteer Award - Nabeelah Lookman

Through volunteer contributions, the recipient of this award has demonstrated initiative, leadership and commitment in support of Student Life programs and services.

Diversity & Inclusion Award- Bridget Amankwaa

The recipient of this award has contributed to building a welcoming campus that celebrates diversity, advances equity and fosters inclusion. They have made a direct contribution through leadership and engagement in student life.

Greg Riddle Award for Emerging Student Leader: Dorothy Joan Lavoie

Presented to a current full-time Fleming College student who successfully completed the Emerging Student Leaders program sponsored by Student Life. This student's actions enhanced individual and group experiences for fellow students during the program through understanding leadership, communication, team work and commitment.

International Student Services Leadership Award- Olivia Azar Martinez

Presented to a current full-time international student who, through their leadership and initiative, has assisted and supported the successful transition and integration into campus life for their fellow international students.

Indigenous Student Leadership Award- Timothy Stewart

This award is given to students who have demonstrated leadership by incorporating the Anishinaabe 7 Grandfather Teachings in their morals, values and interactions with the Fleming community, Indigenous student Community and beyond. Humility, Bravery, Honesty, Wisdom, Truth, Respect and Love are the 7 Grandfathers and are the foundation of many Indigenous ways of being. We, as Indigenous peoples choose to live by these principles in order to achieve balance; with ourselves, our community and the land.

Residence Awards

Team Play of the Year - Sutherland Residence Village: Olivia Azar Martinez

Team Player of the Year - Frost Residence Village: Isabelle Daley

This award recognizes a Residence Life Staff member who consistently demonstrates collaboration, reliability and a strong commitment to supporting their team. The recipient of this award goes above and beyond to foster a positive team environment, offers support to fellow staff members and contributes to the overall success of the Residence Life community. Through their willingness to step in when needed, share ideas and encourage others, they embody the spirit of teamwork that helps our residence community thrive.

Each year Fleming Student Administrative Council works with students to advocate for the enrichment of student life on and off campus. The Student Leadership Awards are an opportunity to recognize students who contribute positively to the overall student environment at Fleming. Awards are given as bursaries in varying monetary values and have been donated by key partners and long-time supporters of student success at Fleming College.

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Fleming College and Fairhaven Long-Term Care Celebrate first PSW Living Classroom Graduates

Fleming College and Fairhaven Long-Term Care celebrated the first cohort of Personal Support Worker (PSW) students to complete the Living Classroom program with a ceremony on Friday.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

The event marked both the official recognition of the Living Classroom partnership at Fairhaven and the graduation of seven students who have completed their PSW training through this on-site learning model. 

The Living Classroom program enables students to complete their theory, skills training and clinical placement directly within a long-term care home. The approach provides hands-on experience in a real care environment, allowing students to work alongside care teams while developing practical skills and confidence for careers in health care.

This cohort represents the first group of students to complete the program at Fairhaven, following a pilot launch in Fall 2025.  

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Fleming College and St. Lawrence College Announce Merger

To ‘create a stronger institution with greater scale, broader access for students to programs and services and improved long-term financial sustainability,’ Fleming College and St. Lawrence College have announced a merger on Friday.

File Photo.

According to Fleming, this is a significant step toward building a larger, more capable institution that can expand access and strengthen long-term sustainability. As a result of the integration, the merger will create greater scale and capability and better align programs and capacity with regional labour market needs. This will allow students to benefit from expanded academic pathways, increased access to specialized programs, enhanced research opportunities and broader work-integrated learning experiences, stated Theresa Knott, Fleming interim president.

“This integration represents a forward-looking investment in our students and communities,” she said. “By bringing our strengths together, we are positioning ourselves to deliver more opportunities, more innovation, greater access, and a stronger foundation for the future across our combined regions and campuses.”

Both colleges have been working closely with the Ontario Government to ensure a smooth integration with minimum impacts on students and communities. Both Colleges assure that there are no planned changes to local brands, programs, campuses, services or student supports from this announcement.

“We are committed to ensuring that students have the tools, programs, and support they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy,” said Glenn Vollebregt, St. Lawrence College president and CEO. “This integration gives us the scale and capability to serve more students, offer more opportunity, and build a stronger institution for the long term.”

The boards of both Fleming College and St. Lawrence College have approved an integration framework agreement that outlines the steps toward full integration.

“As governors, our responsibility is to help ensure our institutions remain strong, relevant and sustainable for the students and each of the communities we serve,” said Don Gillespie, Fleming Board Chair. “This integration process reflects a thoughtful, long-term approach to building greater capacity, expanding opportunities, and protecting the strength of college education across our region.”

“This is an important step toward creating a stronger future for students, employers and communities across eastern Ontario,” said Julie Caffin, St. Lawrence College Chair of the Board of Governors. “By bringing together the complementary strengths of our two institutions, we have an opportunity to build a more resilient college that can respond to changing needs while preserving our commitment to student success and community impact.”

The new college will have a single management team. Vollebregt will serve as the initial President and CEO and Knott will serve as the initial Associate President and Chief Academic Officer of the New College.

Both colleges have stated that the integration will proceed through the next phase of implementation, which includes detailed due diligence, operational planning, and community engagement. These steps will be undertaken under board oversight and in line with provincial requirements, with further updates to be shared as more information becomes available.

Fleming College has campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton and Cobourg. St. Lawrence College operates in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall.

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Fleming College Launches Entrance Scholarships to Support Student Success and Workforce Needs

Fleming College has announced the launch of its first-ever Entrance Scholarships program, a new initiative designed to reduce financial barriers for incoming students while supporting enrolment in high-demand program areas aligned with workforce needs.

photo courtesy of fleming college.

Beginning in the 2026 to 2027 academic year, Fleming will invest $100,000 in entrance scholarships, benefiting 50 full-time domestic students. The scholarships will provide $2,000 awards across five key student groups: mature learners, students entering the new Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography program, skilled trades students, applied health students and Fleming alumni returning to study.

This initiative builds on Fleming’s long-standing commitment to student support through bursaries, awards, and scholarships, while introducing a strategic approach to enhancing recruitment, improving conversion and supporting priority program growth. It is being launched at a critical time as institutions consider how to address gaps in student support due to recent changes to the OSAP program.

“These entrance scholarships represent a meaningful investment in our students and in the future of our communities,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President of Fleming College. “By reducing financial barriers at the point of entry, we are helping more students access education in high-demand fields while strengthening the talent pipeline for critical sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.”

The scholarships are made possible through a combination of donor contributions, including the Fleming Forward Fund, private donors and TD Insurance Affinity program revenue.

The program directly supports Fleming College’s strategic priorities, including expanding applied health programming, growing skilled trades education and enhancing student recruitment and retention.

“This initiative demonstrates how philanthropy can directly impact student success and institutional growth,” said Katie Pezoulas, Executive Director of Advancement and External Relations. “We are proud to work with our donors to create opportunities that not only support students financially but also align with the evolving needs of our communities and economy.”

Entrance scholarships will be automatically awarded based on academic achievement and eligibility criteria. They are available to full-time domestic students who accept their offer of admission by May 1, with recipients selected based on academic performance.

By targeting key demographic groups and program areas, the initiative is expected to improve enrolment conversion among highly qualified applicants while supporting sectors identified in Ontario’s Strategic Mandate Agreement, including skilled trades and applied health.

For more information about entrance scholarships at Fleming College, visit the website.

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New Initiative Launched to Expand Mental Health Supports in Employment Services Through Work Well Badge and Education Sessions

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Fleming College’s Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services (MKES) are launching a new initiative aimed at increasing awareness and education around mental health supports in employment services.

photo courtesy of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening employment outcomes across the Muskoka-Kawarthas region by providing greater visibility in how frontline staff can support job seekers experiencing mental health challenges.

Work Well, which will start in April, encourages employment service provider staff throughout the Muskoka-Kawarthas region to participate in a designated suite of mental health information sessions. Designed by CMHA HKPR, the sessions are tailored for frontline staff to build their capacity to support clients more effectively. The sessions focus on using a strengths-based approach and trauma-informed lens as well as coaching on mental health disclosures and workplace accommodations.

“CMHA HKPR recognizes that finding and keeping employment while managing mental health concerns can be challenging. The Work Well initiative provides education and awareness that empower staff and job seekers with an improved understanding of the importance of mental health in the workplace and what to do when mental health interrupts someone’s ability to stay well at work,” said Kim Kennelly, CMHA HKPR Manager of Justice Services and Employment Services. “Alongside information sessions, Mental Health Employment Consultants are available to offer consultation and one-on‑one mental health support to employees and job seekers throughout their journey towards meaningful employment.”

Staff who complete the full series of sessions will receive a digital badge and letter of achievement recognizing their commitment to supporting mental health in employment services.

“Individuals throughout our communities are facing unprecedented challenges that are impacting their mental health,” said Joanne Spicer, Associate Vice President of Student Experience at Fleming College. “Our goal is to foster a better understanding of mental health and illness in the employment services sector in order to further reduce barriers to finding meaningful work. This includes supporting job seekers with tools they can use to navigate the process of searching for and maintaining employment.”

Work Well will run on a two-year cycle, beginning in 2026. Participants will have two years to complete the series with opportunities for ongoing renewal.

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Fleming College Invites Prospective Students to Annual Spring Open House Event

Aspiring post secondary students and their families are invited to Fleming College’s annual Spring Open House event on April 11.

file photo.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. across Sutherland (Peterborough), Frost (Lindsay) and Haliburton campuses, Fleming will showcase its industry-recognized programs and experiential learning opportunities that open doors to rewarding careers. Each campus will offer guided tours, information sessions and hands-on demonstrations. Visitors can also meet faculty and current students and learn about the many services and resources that support student success.   

At the Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, visitors will learn about programs related to health, community services, trades and technology, business and information technology, and general arts and sciences. Workshop or information sessions will be held at noon for the Hairstyling, Carpentry and Renovation Technician, Welding and Paramedic programs. 

At the Frost Campus in Lindsay, visitors will learn about programs related to environmental and natural resources sciences and learning labs like the pollinator garden, arboretum, fish hatchery, bird conservation, insectary and Parnham Training Centre for Drilling and Blasting. Workshop or information sessions will be held at noon for the Resources Drilling Technician, Blasting Techniques and Fish and Wildlife programs. 

At the Haliburton School of Art + Design, visitors can tour the art studios and enjoy a walk along the adjacent Sculpture Forest Trail that features 40 installations by Canadian and International artists. During a one-hour workshop at noon, prospective students can create a stunning fabric brooch.  

Fleming’s primary firefighter training facility in Norwood, the Eastern Ontario Emergency Training Academy, is also open for tours. Pre-Service Firefighter education and training program faculty and students will answer questions and show visitors training areas like the burn tower and rescue maze. Visitors can attempt forceable entry through a steel door or operate a firehose from one of our onsite pump trucks. 

Prospective students and families interested in learning about Fleming’s Veterinary Technician program can tour the Peterborough Humane Society and new labs every hour starting at 10:30 a.m.  

The Kawartha Cardiology Clinic in Peterborough is also open to visitors interested in learning about Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, a post-graduate program for nursing professionals.   

Fleming Campus agendas are available on the College’s Open House webpage.

Whether you’re a first-time post-secondary student or a mature learner transitioning to a new career, Fleming College is ready to welcome you to its Peterborough, Lindsay and Haliburton Campuses to explore its exceptional programs, services and surroundings.  

Register for Fleming’s Spring Open House today at the website. 

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Football Ontario Announces Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship to be Held in Peterborough

In partnership with Fleming College, the Fleming Phoenix, the City of Peterborough and the Detroit Lions, Football Ontario has announced that the 2026 Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship will be held at Fleming College in Peterborough for a second consecutive year.

Photo courtesy of the city of peterborough.

“We’re pleased to welcome the Intercollegiate Provincial 5v5 Non-Contact Flag Football Championship and Adult Flag Football Circuit back to Peterborough for a second year,” said City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “The event is an ideal fit for our community and highlights our sports facilities and reputation for leading postsecondary athletics. We value our partnership with Fleming College and look forward to hosting athletes, coaches, and fans again.”

The Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship presented by the Detroit Lions will take place April 2 yo 3 at the Fleming Sports Complex, bringing together top collegiate teams from across Ontario to compete for the provincial championship. The top teams will earn a coveted spot at the Football Canada Collegiate Championship to be held in May in Regina, Saskatchewan.

“Fleming College is excited to welcome student-athletes from across Ontario back to campus for this championship event. In addition to exciting competition, we are pleased to support initiatives like the women’s networking breakfast, which creates meaningful opportunities to connect, mentor, and celebrate women in sport.” says Joanne Spicer, Associate Vice President of Student Experience at Fleming College.

The event promises to showcases top-tier flag football competition and athletes and highlight the sport's rapid growth.

"Football Ontario is thrilled to bring the Intercollegiate Flag Provincial Championship back to Peterborough in partnership with Fleming College, the Detroit Lions and the City of Peterborough. This event provides student athletes with a platform to showcase their skills at the highest level. Working alongside the City of Peterborough, we are excited to create a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, and fans," says Tyler McNicholl, Director of Operations with Football Ontario.

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Fleming College Museum Management and Curatorship Students Develop Exhibit Through Lang Pioneer Village Museum

Lang Pioneer Village Museum and Fleming College present Less Work, More Play; a self-guided, interactive exhibit developed by Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship students.

Photo courtesy of Fleming Museum Management, Instagram.

Over the course of the program, MMC students have been working to design and construct the hands-on and self-directed exhibit within the Ayotte Cabin. The exhibit encourages visitors of all ages to explore, play and reflect on the enduring role of leisure in building connections and fostering creativity across generations. Visitors will gain an understanding of the difference between creative pastimes and necessary domestic tasks, discovering how creativity emerged naturally through daily life.

There will be a welcoming address by a student MC with speeches from students, faculty and friends of the program beginning at 2:15 p.m. Guests will then have the opportunity to interact with hands-on activities developed for the exhibit.

The exhibit opening will take place April 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building (PCAHB), located at 146 Lang Rd.

Lang Pioneer Village Museum notes that while the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building is fully accessible, the Ayotte Cabin in which the new exhibit is within is not. Pictures will be taken of the interior of the cabin and interactive activities will be brought out by interpreters to show visitors who are unable to step inside the exhibit during the open season.

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