Barrie business leader and philanthropist Tom McBride invested as 17th Fellow of Georgian College
June 20, 2019
Tom McBride has become the 17th person honoured with the Fellowship of Georgian College. The prestigious designation was conferred on Tom by Georgian College Board of Governors Chair Don Gordon and President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes during convocation ceremonies at the Barrie Molson Centre on June 19.
The Fellowship of Georgian College is an honour bestowed on individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to education or the general expansion of knowledge, particularly in the Central Region of Ontario. Fellowship implies a privilege of membership in the college community, and a lifetime association with Georgian.
This fellowship recognizes Tom’s ongoing support and unwavering commitment to Georgian and its students.
Tom joined the Board of Governors in 2011, serving for six years as an active and passionate governor – including two years as Vice Chair, and two as Chair. While on the board, he was also a Lieutenant Governor in Council board member appointed by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and served on a number of board sub-committees.
“During his tenure as Chair, Tom’s steadfast leadership and vision were integral in guiding the college through a number of complex opportunities and challenges,” says MaryLynn. “He is smart, strategic and has that ‘can-do attitude’ combined with sincere respect and belief that everyone wins when you work together. Tom’s greatest gift was to help build an understanding of the quality of Georgian’s diplomas and degrees and strengthening community connections.”
In addition, Tom stewarded a successful partnership with the City of Barrie enabling a commitment to the Lakehead-Georgian partnership to expand degree delivery, an expansion of the Arch and Helen Brown Design and Digital Arts Centre in downtown Barrie, and a commitment by the City of Barrie of $5 million toward the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre.
As President of McBride Robillard Financial Solutions Inc., he played an important role as a member of the President’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Council, which helped advance Georgian’s opportunities for research, innovation and entrepreneurship in our communities.
Tom continues to be passionate about the future of the college, working closely with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC). Over a two-year period, he helped HBEC raise $26,000 in sponsorship for the annual Henry Bernick Medals event. He also made a number of important introductions to the centre, including The Executive Committee, a group of CEO-level managers who own or operate significant businesses across Canada and beyond. The group has met with our students on several occasions to share their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys.
MaryLynn adds that Tom’s dedication to excellence and passion for serving others extends well beyond the college. “He is a recognized business leader, changemaker and philanthropist,” she said. “He is a life-long learner, has an innovative mindset, is committed to growth and development of our region, and uses his skills and expertise to contribute in every way he can to better our community.”
In honour of his tireless contributions to community, Tom was presented with the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award in Voluntarism in Ontario in 2015.
