Tamblyn began his Georgian career at the Kempenfelt Conference Centre in 1982 and later attained several vice-president roles before becoming president. In his 30-year career at Georgian, Tamblyn became well-known and respected throughout the college and community as both a highly-skilled professional and a personally-connected and student-centred leader.

“Your leadership reminded us all that Georgian’s true vision is best seen through our students’ eyes,” said Charlotte Wallis, Chair of the Board of Governors, at a recent retirement celebration. “You forged many exciting pathways as a powerful and influential advocate for our students. Georgian’s strategic plan’s rallying message ‘to inspire, transform and connect’ is a tribute to your leadership style. You embody all of these qualities.”

The Board of Governors, staff, students, graduates and many community stakeholders can only marvel at what Georgian has accomplished during Brian’s 13 years as president, Wallis added.

Since Tamblyn became president in June 1999, Georgian has achieved many goals and the college has grown significantly.

• The number of academic programs has doubled, with the college offering more than 100 certificate, diploma, graduate certificate and degree programs.
• Georgian has become a national leader in co-operative education, working with more than 7,000 employers a year.
• Full-time enrolment has grown from approximately 5,500 students to almost 11,000.
• Georgian’s unique University Partnership Centre was established to provide innovative college-university partnerships and student pathways.
• Georgian was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers five times, and one of Canada’s 50 Greenest Employers the past three years in a row.
• All of Georgian’s seven campuses have experienced major expansions, totaling almost $180 million in capital projects.
• The annual operating budget has grown from $55 million to $170 million, creating an economic provincial impact of more than $370 million annually.
• Georgian’s Power of Education fundraising campaign has so far raised $42 million, a record for an Ontario college.

“We’ve experienced a lot of growth and innovation,” Tamblyn reflects. “Georgian is a great place to study and work, and we are truly connected to our communities as few other institutions in Canada can claim. Nonetheless, the greatest success, in my opinion, is that we achieved all these incredible results while keeping our focus on students as individuals, each with unique needs and challenges.”

Tamblyn estimates he has shaken the hands of at least 17,000 graduates at convocation ceremonies. He always tried to chat briefly with each student.

To honour his passion for student success, the Board of Governors has announced the establishment of the Brian G. Tamblyn Award. This award will be presented annually to a student who demonstrates high academic achievement plus an exceptional commitment to community and college participation. Donations toward the award already exceed $20,000.

Tamblyn’s successor, MaryLynn West-Moynes will assume the role of Georgian’s President and CEO on August 7, and the two are working closely to ensure a smooth transition. In the interim period from July 1 to Aug. 6, Brandon Lander, Vice President of Administration and Secretary-Treasurer for the Board of Governors, will take on any expanded duties that may arise from the president’s office.