2001 Alumni of Distinction

Jennifer Franssen Personnel Administration, 1978 Soon after settling in Ladysmith, British Columbia with her three children, Jennifer Franssen attended a workshop on earthquakes and volunteered to put together a kiosk of earthquake supplies and information for her children’s school. Her passion for emergency planning grew steadily and in 1994 she became the emergency planning co-ordinator for Cowichan Valley, where she was called upon many times to assist during snowstorms, forest fires, floods and other emergencies. Franssen has also helped create a 1,500-person emergency planning volunteer team. She continues to spend many hours delivering workshops and offering guidance each week and helps ensure that other areas of British Columbia are prepared for emergencies.

Judith Grant Law and Security Administration, 1997 Judith Grant is a full-time constable with the primary response unit at Toronto Police Service’s 41 Division in Scarborough, and is equally committed to making the community a better place. Grant spends a considerable amount of time at her daughter’s school, helping with special events and other activities, and takes part in the Durham Regional Police Service food drive at Christmas. Other past volunteer activities include providing support through the Durham Region Distress Centre in Oshawa, Ontario; educating children about street and bicycle safety; and helping with the Bloorview MacMillan Centre’s golf tournament, which raises money for programs for children with disabilities. In recognition of her tireless volunteerism, Grant was awarded a YMCA Peace Medallion in 2000.

Charlotte Hale Advertising Administration, 1993 Charlotte Hale launched her own photography company while raising three young children on her own and working part-time. Her photos have won awards from Photo Life Magazine, the Toronto Sun and the Celebration of the Arts show in Uxbridge, Ontario. She also established the Veni Vidi Studio/Gallery in Port Perry, Ontario, showcasing and promoting original Canadian artwork. Hale is also a longtime member of the Borelians Theatre Company in Port Perry and helped found the Durham Rowing Club. She is working toward a Bachelor of Arts in English (Honours) from the University of Waterloo.

Lorelei Hepburn Environmental Technology, 1994 Loerlei Hepburn has built her upstart company, The Environmental Factor, into Ontario’s largest privately-owned chemical- and pesticide-free lawn care provider. Her firm has expanded from the Durham Region to serve many areas including Scarborough, Aurora and Mississauga. Hepburn is a member of the Durham College Environmental Technology advisory committee and founding director, communications co-ordinator and education co-ordinator for the Organic Landscaping Alliance. She was previously nominated for a YWCA of Durham Region Women of Distinction Award.