Posted on April 14, 2026April 14, 2026 by Deborah Jones

14
Apr

St. Clair College Celebrates Five Standout Graduates For 2026 Alumni Of Distinction Awards

You may have watched the big stars collect their trophies on TV this year already in film and music, but the real action here at home is just beginning!

The awards you can take part in — by sending in nominations, supporting and possibly attending in person — are getting underway in the coming months in Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent. Not to mention the 29th annual Biz X Awards with nominations this summer and the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce will reveal their 2026 BEA winners later this year too!

Until then, in our April edition, you will read about a local winner for the 2026 Scot of the Year recognized by the Scottish Studies Society. You’ll learn how to nominate a Registered Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and/or Nurse Practitioner in the 19th annual Lois Fairley Nursing Awards, presented by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.

In addition, we share the website where you can submit your choices for the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce (CKCC) 138th annual Business Excellence Awards.

However, for now, we roll out the red carpet for the recipients of the 33rd annual Alumni of Distinction Awards! St. Clair College is set to honour five alumni in May who have made outstanding professional and community contributions in their fields and community service.

The 2026 winner of St. Clair College’s Alumni of Distinction Awards are:

Jeff Denomme, Artist/Author, The Haunted Zoo: A graduate of the Graphic Design program representing the School of Media Arts and Design.
Jennifer Jovanovski, Chief Executive Officer, John McGivney Children’s Centre: A graduate of the Nursing program representing the School of Nursing.
Mark McGuire, Executive Director, Give and Go Sports Education: A graduate of the Business Administration program representing the Zekelman School of Business and IT.
Jennifer Pestrin, Executive Director, Community Living Windsor: A graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program representing the School of Community Studies.
Nic White, Owner and Chief Operations Officer, Handy Bros. Home Comfort: A graduate of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) program representing the School of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships.

This year’s cohort brings the total to 149 graduates recognized by the College since 1992.

Whether you’re reading this column in print at your workplace, flipping through it in a waiting room, or seeing our digital edition on your computer or phone — here’s your chance to be in the room for the
celebration itself.

The 33rd annual Alumni of Distinction dinner takes place Friday, May 8, 2026, in the Alumni Skyline Room at St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West in Windsor.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and are available by calling 519-972-2747. For event and reception information, please visit online.

We hope to see you there as the community comes together to celebrate this year’s remarkable alumni who continue to make an impact in our region!

Deborah Jones

Deborah Jones – Publisher of Biz X Magazine Deborah Jones graduated from the University of Windsor with an Honours Degree in Communication Studies and was employed at two other local magazines shortly after for a few years learning all she could about writing, advertising, public relations and more. She made the jump in 1998 to go out on her own to publish Biz X magazine and has worked in the publishing industry since 1990. In 2007, she earned the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from the Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce. To date, she is the ONLY woman so far to receive this award. In 2013, she received one of the first “Windsor Women of the Year” awards from the Ladies Exclusive Alliance. Her most recent achievement is the 2023 Media Award from the Windsor Essex Chapter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Deborah is proud to live in Windsor and truly cares about each and every business and strives to make Windsor Essex the best place to live, work and play.

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Downtown Wallaceburg BIA

1 year ago

Biz X has a great team. We enjoyed working with them!

Nicole Fontaine

Deborah is extremely responsive and pleasant to correspond with. Their articles are well written and they shine a spotlight on incredible local businesses.

Darlene Martens

I am very grateful that Biz X Magazine supports local authors like myself. Deborah Jones was thorough and knowledgeable. Her pleasant and professional manner made the process of being featured in Biz X a pleasure. Thank you so much!
Darlene Martens, Author of The Waiting Room, one man's battle with prostate cancer, and Amazing Grace, Abounding Love

Tina Brigley

Every month I look forward to reading the latest issue of Biz X magazine. It’s entertaining, informative and keeps me up to date with what’s going on in my community. The writing is great and the yearly BizX awards are an amazing way to highlight local businesses! Deborah and her team of writers are the best! So grateful for their dedication to our community.

Korda Artistic Productions

2 years ago

We are so grateful for the support that Biz X Magazine provides to local businesses. We are a not for profit Theatre Company and the assistance that Biz X provides in helping to get the word out about our productions is invaluable! Thank you!

Johanna Vandenbogaerde

Deborah Jones and her team at Biz X Magazine work so incredibly hard to produce each issue and their November / December Awards 2024 issue is fantastic! So happy to see that Erie Street Woodworks won in their Woodworking Wonders category. There were 196 nominees this year and I have no idea how Deborah and the team of judges were able to choose between all of the talented nominees.
Deborah is always accessible and responsive. Make sure you check out the current issue of Biz X Magazine.
Johanna Vandenbogaerde
Owner & President of Johanna Vandenbogaerde Consulting
Marketing, Media & Advertising Consulting
www.jvconsulting.org

Ali El-Sharif

Great magazine to stay up to date with local events

macdonalds automotive

Excellent magazine and love that small businesses are promoted to local people

Mary-Ann Stark

I appreciate that Deborah Jones supports small local charities by featuring Windsor Basketeers in the October 2024 issue. This is a great community service!

Stella Ciancio

I’ve been reading Biz X Magazine for many years, and I am thoroughly impressed by how consistently they uphold their integrity in journalism. The articles are insightful, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the business community. The design is modern and engaging, making it easy to read. I appreciate how they highlight local businesses and entrepreneurs, fostering a sense of community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, Biz X Magazine is a must-read for anyone looking to stay informed and inspired. Highly recommended!

Victoria Avenue

jerzy drae

I am very grateful to Biz X for thier support of local events and companies! Allowing small businesses like mine to have a platform to grow and gain exposure has been vital to our success. The staff is quick to respond and they are also very friendly. I am happy to have worked with Biz X and will continue to do so in the future, thank you!!!

Bridget Williams

great magazine, thank you Deborah and Jim for the article you wrote on Breanna ..excellent job you all do and always friendly and prompt,,,

Tracey Harding

Support local businesses from Windsor to London. The best source in the S W.

Nonna Piunno

Read this mag online every month. Nice way to know what's happening in the City of Roses!

Lena bidawid

Deborah & her team are incredible to collaborate with. Communication is quick & transparent. The magazine was very supportive of our small business and is a great publication for small ads that can easily accommodate most budgets.

stan beatty

Great local business magazine. Great publication, very well run with great dedication to the local community.

GCE RadioTV (Global Solutions)

Good news !

Arlene Thompson

3 years ago

Thank you BizX for such a great tribute to Windsor/Essex County's only breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. The Wonderbroads appreciate being featured in Windsor's #1 magazine.

Mike Chase

# 1 publication in the region!

Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce

Biz X works to cover news in Windsor/Essex and the most recent issue had several great features of events and businesses in Amherstburg including our recent Business Excellence Awards and Woof-A-Roo. Thank you!

Moeen El-Sharif

Deborah and her team are some of the most pleasant and easy to work with individuals I have ever interacted with. Always happy to help and well organized. My event was published almost immediately and they were able to help us gain traction through their social media presence! Would highly recommend their services to everyone!!

LaSalle Oxford Learning

BizX has always put their clients first. They are loyal to our region and obsessed with empowering businesses for the betterment of our community. Thank you BizX!

Tony Gray

Biz X provides more than a magazine to Windsorites. Biz X also provides notice and support to Windsorites, businesses, events, and activities.
The Rose City Comic Convention is grateful to have received outstanding attention for our event through Biz X in their magazine and online social media.
Their sponsorship of our event enhanced public awareness of the show and brought it to the attention of many beyond our social media reach.
Deborah and her team provided excellent promotion leading up to our event and outstanding post-show coverage as well!

Naheed Khan

Deborah & her team always presenting something new & exciting that helps readers to update information about their surrounding and business community. BIZX magazine is serving in a big way. I wish them more success. Thank you Deborah & BIZX.

Elizabeth W

Biz X is a great resource committed to shining light on small businesses and artists in the community. I'm always interested in checking out the newest issue and wish them many more years of success and publication.

Kim Conklin

As both an author and a book podcaster, I love how BizX supports local writers and creative artists of all types. They do awesome articles on the local creative community and their work, and their publication's reach really helps small publishers and independents get the word out. Thanks BizX! Keep up the great work!

Future Evolutions Inc. Consulting

I recently had the pleasure of reading this month's BizX magazine and I must say that I was impressed with the valuable information it contained. The magazine's focus on promoting small local businesses was evident in the articles and features it included.

One of the most impressive aspects of BizX magazine is the way in which it highlights the stories of various local businesses and business events. The magazine includes articles and interviews with business owners, profiles of successful entrepreneurs, and in-depth coverage of local events that showcased the vibrant business community in the area.

Moreover, the magazine provides practical advice and tips for local businesses to help them grow and succeed. From marketing strategies to financial planning, the magazine's content is always highly relevant and informative for business owners.

It is clear that BizX magazine is committed to helping local businesses thrive, not just by providing them with exposure but by also offering them the tools and resources they need to succeed. The magazine also helps foster a sense of community among local business owners by providing a platform for them to connect and collaborate.

Overall, I highly recommend BizX as a business magazine to anyone looking to support the local business community and stay informed about the latest trends and developments and events in the area. The magazine's dedication to promoting and supporting small businesses is truly admirable, and it is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to start, grow, or sustain a successful business.

Hugh Leal.

Biz X Magazine is serving an important purpose in our community. The focus on local business stories is much needed and appreciated. It's good that knowledgeable local writers have a well respected vehicle to get the news out. Biz X is to be commended for their support of community events, arts and culture.
Hugh Leal Producer of Mackenzie Hall Jazz

Rakiesha Jones

The staff at Biz X Magazine is not only professional but super helpful for those who are looking to advertise and be more present in Windsor Essex county. They have truly given me a great deal of exposure and I can’t thank them enough!

Catherine Raso

Deborah and the Biz X team are not only a group of people who work together, they are the spirit of Windsor's community, business essence and bringing social awareness. As a new member of this beautiful city, it was through Biz X magazine that I learned who is who and where is where. I attended their 25th Anniversary Gala in 2022 and what a fantastic evening. Everything, from the sparkling decor, glam photos, entertainment, guest speakers and our own Windsor fire department fundraising for Sparky's Toy Drive, was a true celebration. Thank you Deborah, and the team, for all your hard work. Continue to raise that bar of success throughout 2023!

Maureen Lucas

4 years ago

BizX is always supportive of local businesses and charities. As a previous business owner and now CoFounder of 100 Women Who Care, I know that they want to help our community and connect people as a big part of what they do in addition to publishing a magazine. Thanks to Deb and team

Alyssa Layfield

I love Biz X and all they do to support local businesses in our area. They are constantly reaching out to especially help small businesses and bring important stories to light. Thank you Biz X Magazine!

Tereza “and Leigh” Hello

Biz X Magazine is a staple in our community. It's such a quick way to stay informed about what's going on around town. We love that you can find it in most waiting rooms too! We don't typically advertise but we do like to show our support especially when it comes to Awards time! We are honoured to have been nominated throughout the years and as past winners of the Biz X Awards, we try to help out and advertise especially during that issue! Deborah does so much for our community! She is such a sweet and hard-working woman!

Danny Gautama

What can I say about Deborah Jones? She is one of the kindest and hard working people out there. Her work ethic is impeccable. She, as well as BIz X magazine have supported my mission to help others. Because of her and many, my name is getting out there. Deborah, I owe you so much. You are selfless and I just wanted to tell you my friend that I appreciate you more than you know. Keep flourishing in all you do. Your magazine is the absolute BEST! And so are you.

Adam Castle

Biz X Magazine continues to tell local stories in a time when local Canadian journalism is disappearing at a frightening rate. Small business is the life blood of our community, yet major news outlets only have the capacity to cover a fraction of our communities local business news.

New openings, new offerings, big milestones, new trends - Biz X is a constant source of information aggregated nowhere else in our region, and there is no better companion to find in waiting rooms across Essex County.

Deb and her team truly care about entrepreneurs and their efforts to grow and thrive in Windsor-Essex. I believe it's that unshakeable passion that has cemented this magazine as an institution in our community, and is just one of many reasons why I am always excited to pick up their latest copy!

St. Clair College Celebrates Five Standout Graduates For 2026 Alumni Of Distinction Awards

Deborah Jones

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