Centennial College President Ann Buller was on hand in Melbourne, Australia on October 9 to collect the gold award in the Leadership Development category of the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) Awards of Excellence, which highlight groundbreaking work in the field of professional and technical education.
Recipients were recognized in seven categories, based on the international value of the award-winning institutions, individuals and programs, as well as their achievements, benefits to students and innovation. Centennial was one of several colleges in Canada, Australia, China and the U.S. to earn gold, silver and bronze awards for their progressive work.
Centennial has been leading the conversation on leadership development and global citizenship education with a pledge to “become an internationally recognized leader in education that places a strong emphasis on global citizenship, social justice and equity.” The strategic goal has become the hallmark of President Ann Buller’s college leadership over the past decade.
Social justice, equity, and pluralism are embedded in Centennial’s Leadership Passport, a student leadership program encompassing volunteerism, international educational experiences, service learning and more. Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experiences (GCELEs) provide students with opportunities to participate in life-changing service learning projects and make a difference in communities around the world.
As a learning-centred college, Centennial is committed to providing all learners with leadership development opportunities, including its own employees. Reflective leadership practice tools and resources enhance employee engagement and build leadership capacity throughout the organization.
Centennial has been sharing its leadership development expertise and best practices with colleagues from countries around the world, including China and Panama. Centennial is one of the most diverse postsecondary institutions in Canada, with an impressive international reach. More than 11,000 international students currently study at Centennial’s Toronto campuses, and the college has opened a learning site in Suzhou, China.
The World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) is a member-based international network of colleges, polytechnics, university colleges, institutions and individuals of professional and technical education and training. The Federation provides leadership in delivering workforce education for the global economy. Recipients of the 2018 Awards of Excellence are featured in the WFCP’s second volume of the World’s Best Practice Guide.
Photo by: RMIT Photography and Photo Imaging