The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) has announced this year’s recipients of the Herb Gray Harmony Award and the MCC Champion Award.
“For more than 20 years, the MCC Awards Gala has been an opportunity to express gratitude to individuals and organizations who embody our mission and vision.” said Fred Francis, MCC Executive Director, “This year’s recipients have directly contributed to making Windsor-Essex a more welcoming community for all. We are proud and excited to invite the community to join us as we recognize our deserving honourees.”
The Herb Gray Harmony Award, established to recognize individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to building a more welcoming community for all in Windsor-Essex, will be presented to Dr. Patti France, President of St. Clair College.
Dr. Patti France has over 35 years of experience in the post-secondary education sector. She holds a Bachelor of Adult Education Degree from Brock University and a Master of Adult Education Degree from St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia.
On September 1, 2015 she was appointed the sixth President, and first female President, of St. Clair College.
Patti’s board and committee involvements are extensive, reaching beyond education to include the enhancement of healthcare, social services and technological infrastructure in our community.
Patti has been involved in the Windsor Regional Hospital Board of Directors and the Human Resources Sub-Committee, WFCU Credit Union Board of Directors, Connecting Windsor-Essex Chair, United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex “Women Leading the Way in Windsor-Essex” member, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Gold Circle member, Pathway to Potential, Chatham-Kent Community Leaders’ Cabinet member, Committee of Presidents of Ontario Colleges member, and School Boards in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
In 2017, Patti was awarded the ATHENA Award recognizing women leaders in our community. Additionally, she is a Rotary 1918 Paul Harris Fellow Award Recipient, and in 2022 she received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Assumption University for outstanding contributions to higher education in the community and she was awarded with a key to the City of Windsor for assisting the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patti’s personal involvement in various charitable causes has been reflected by the College’s support of a number of community projects and programs during her Presidency. This includes the Special Olympics and food banks across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.
Patti encourages the use of the term “community college” to demonstrate St. Clair’s efforts to enhance the well-being of citizens throughout southwestern Ontario.
Presentation of to this year’s recipients will take place at the 2023 MCC Awards Gala, to be held on May 4th at the Ciociaro Club. Attendees can look forward to celebrating the diverse and vibrant culture of Cuba with this year’s theme “Havana Nights”.
For more information including ticket, corporate table and sponsorship information, please visit www.themcc.com or call 519-255-1127.