Georgian College graduate Solomon King honoured with Premier’s Award

Nov. 26, 2025

Georgian College graduate Solomon King (class of 2018) has been honoured with a 2025 Premier’s Award for Cultural and Creative Achievement. In addition, Georgian proudly nominated five other graduates whose accomplishments exemplify the innovation, leadership and community impact at the heart of a Georgian education.

The Premier’s Awards celebrate outstanding Ontario college graduates who are making significant contributions in their communities and beyond. King was officially recognized during a ceremony hosted by Colleges Ontario on Nov. 24 in Toronto.

A proud Indigenous artist and graduate of Georgian’s Cabinetmaking Techniques program, Solomon is known for his masterful integration of woodwork and stonemasonry that reflects and celebrates Indigenous heritage. His art has been showcased in prominent public spaces, including Nathan Phillips Square and the University of Toronto, bringing visibility to Indigenous stories and perspectives through traditional and contemporary design.

“I’m very honoured and humbled by the Premier’s Award and recognition. None of this would have happened without the support of my family and community,” said King. “This award gives weight and voice to the work we’re committed to creating, which is intertwining art and craft with cultural stories and ways of being.”

Among his most impactful works is a large-scale turtle sculpture in Nathan Phillips Square commemorating residential school survivors—an enduring symbol of truth, resilience and reconciliation. Through his business and artistic practice, Solomon has also trained numerous apprentices over the past 18 years, with several achieving Red Seal accreditation, contributing to a legacy of skilled trades and Indigenous craftsmanship.

“Solomon’s work exemplifies the power of creativity rooted in culture,” said Kevin Weaver, president and CEO of Georgian College. “His dedication to preserving and sharing Indigenous traditions through art and mentorship is not only inspiring but vital. We’re incredibly proud to have Solomon among our alumni.”

Georgian graduates are shaping communities, industries and the future. With more than 120,000 alumni around the world, their global achievements speak to the strength of a Georgian education and the power of applied learning. We’re incredibly proud to recognize all our 2025 nominees for their impact and leadership.

Georgian’s 2025 Premier’s Awards nominees include:

• Rebecca Bartley (class of 2016, Veterinary Technician), nominated in the Health Care and Community Well-Being category
• Luke Bazely (class of 2002, Electrical Engineering in Automation), nominated in the Entrepreneurship and Economic Development category
• Dale Boyle (class of 2013, Business Administration, and 2021, Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – Management and Leadership), nominated in the Community Advancement category
• Darryl Gratrix (class of 1998, Mechanical Technician, Tool and Die), nominated in the Workforce and
• Skilled Trades Advancement category
• Steve Priestley (class of 2002, Environmental Engineering Technology), nominated in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Innovation category

Learn more about our distinguished nominees.

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Media: For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Media Relations at mediarelations@georgiancollege.ca.

Georgian is MORE than an education – it’s an experience. The college offers 130+ market-driven programs, from degrees and diplomas, to certificates, apprenticeships, corporate training and more. A recognized leader in student work experience, our graduate employment rate – 90.3 per cent – is in the top 3 for Ontario colleges. Georgian graduates continue to play a pivotal role in meeting the demand for a highly qualified workforce. Georgian is committed to truth-telling, decolonization and reconciliation, guided by our Maajiishkaadaa (Let’s Move Forward Together) Indigenization plan and the Indigenous Education Protocol. Georgian strives to be a college of choice for Indigenous learners, empowering them to lead and drive transformative change. We’re the first – and only – college in Canada designated a changemaker college by Ashoka U for our role as a leader in social innovation and changemaking in higher education.