St. Lawrence College Students Win Prestigious Award

St. Lawrence College (SLC) is proud to announce that international students Iovanna Rodriguez Moreno and Jorge Veloz Ortiz have been named recipients of the 2024 Elizabeth Paterson Award by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). This award is presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and contributions in advancing international education in Canada. The couple were formally recognized at CBIE2024, the annual international education conference held in Ottawa on November 5, 2024.
 
Originally from Mexico, where they worked as computer engineering professors, Iovanna and Jorge have embraced their new roles as student leaders at SLC’s Global Learning Centre. Their passion for fostering community and promoting cultural diversity has inspired both their peers and residents. In their first year at SLC, they have played an integral part in centre’s student volunteer program, contributing significantly to improving the international student experience. 

"Through their initiatives, Iovanna and Jorge have truly championed a sense of belonging for international students at SLC, and their impact on the community has been profound," said Ining Chao, Director, Global Partnerships and Learning Services "Their leadership and volunteerism have been exceptional, and they continue to be shining examples in our community."  

Among their many contributions, Iovanna and Jorge have organized tax workshops, led events for International Women’s Day, and supported local initiatives like the Kingston International Student Symposium. Their dedication to the community extends beyond SLC, as they applied their expertise to develop the Kingston Immigration Partnership app, a valuable tool for newcomers to the area. 

"We are so proud of Iovanna and Jorge, and their achievements are a testament to the talent, resilience, and dedication of our international students at SLC,” said Glenn Vollebregt, President and CEO. “Their leadership, community engagement, and success reflect the opportunities SLC offers to help all students thrive in a global learning environment."  

For more information about the award and the upcoming CBIE2024 conference, visit the CBIE website.  

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