Fanshawe's recently retired Senior Vice-President Academic has been honoured with the fifth annual Minister's Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Ontario's college system.

During her 40-year career, Joy Warkentin built a remarkable record of leadership in Ontario and across Canada while advancing the College, the community and the Ontario college system.

In announcing the award, John Milloy, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, said, "Joy has made an enormous difference to our college system and to her students. She has helped prepare us for the future and the dedication she has shown to her students and colleagues will always be appreciated."

Joy was named Senior Vice-President, Academic, of Fanshawe College in 2000. Under her leadership, Fanshawe developed its first academic plan, established student success advisors in every faculty, made research a priority, added innovative new programs, and increased graduation rates significantly.

In 2005, Fanshawe opened its Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and University Partnerships (ARIUP). Joy was the driving force behind this innovative new resource, which was created to provide Fanshawe faculty and students with applied research opportunities, and to help them secure funding.

In addition to her work in the college system, as a former nurse, nursing teacher, and Chair of Health Sciences at Confederation College, Joy developed a reputation for having key insight into Ontario's health care system.

Joy has brought her expertise to several professional and community services including the Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex, the Canadian Technology Human Resources Board, the Premier's Council Board, the Health Restructuring Committee Premier's Council, the AIDS Committee of London and the Association of District Health Councils of Ontario.

Fanshawe President Howard Rundle was delighted with the announcement, saying, "Joy Warkentin has always been an outstanding advocate for students at Fanshawe and throughout the Ontario college system. Her dedicated and insightful leadership has led to dramatic increases in Fanshawe's KPI results, graduation rates, and academic standards. I can't think of anyone who deserves this recognition more than Joy. Congratulations, Joy, on behalf of Fanshawe College!"