John Abbott College Foundation celebrates 5 exceptional members of its community at 2026 Hall of Distinction
From left to right: Dr. Richard Germain, Eric Bender (Peter Bender), France Fournier and Marie Fournier (Lucie Fournier), Steve Lakatos (Brent Lakatos) and Akilah Newton
The John Abbott College Foundation celebrated five outstanding individuals whose contributions have left a lasting mark the College and wider community.
The Foundation, which manages John Abbott College’s Hall of Distinction, inducted five new honourees at a ceremony attended by family, friends, colleagues and members of the John Abbott College community. The celebration offered an opportunity not only to recognize their accomplishments, but also to reflect on the people and experiences that shaped their journeys.
“The school really helped spark something in me. It gave me a space to explore my creativity and it gave me the opportunity to dream the biggest dreams,” said honouree Akilah Newton.
Newton was one of two John Abbott alumni among this year’s honourees whose achievements have taken them onto national and international stages. As a Creative Arts graduate, activist, entrepreneur, author and arts advocate, Newton founded Overature with the Arts and has empowered more than 95,000 young people across Canada through its educational programming.
Brent Lakatos, a Science graduate and one of Canada’s most decorated Paralympians, has built an extraordinary career as a world-class wheelchair racer. John Abbott College math teacher Frank Lovasco, who nominated Lakatos, highlighted the qualities that stood out during his time at the College.
“Brent was the ideal student. He was smart, conscientious, self-motivated and hardworking, very hard working. He was always eager to learn new stuff. He also took an active role in the classroom,” he said.
The College also recognized Dr. Richard Germain, a longtime John Abbott physician and Health Sciences alumnus who has spent nearly 30 years caring for and supporting thousands of students.
“Generations of students have described him as approachable, compassionate and non-judgemental,” John Abbott’s director of student services, Dennis Waide, said while introducing Dr. Germain.
“He was especially dedicated to supporting vulnerable students, those who were living away from home and anyone facing personal or health related challenges – whether it was extending clinic hours, assisting an injured athlete, or fitting in one more appointment. He is known for always finding a way to help.”
Two members of the John Abbott community were honoured posthumously. Former executive director of the Foundation, Lucie Fournier, was recognized for her leadership in strengthening the Foundation and her longstanding commitment to the West Island community. One of the Foundation’s most popular fundraisers, the annual Loonie Line, was launched during her tenure and continues today.
“Perhaps the most appropriate word to describe her is legacy,” said Fournier’s nominator, Caroline Tison, former executive director of West Island Community Shares.
Dr. Peter Bender, a founding faculty member and psychology teacher, was remembered for his remarkable 53-year association with John Abbott College.
“Through his dedication as a teacher, a mentor, coach and colleague, he inspired a generation of students and contributed immeasurably to the growth and the spirit of the college and especially to our psychology department,” said Afroditi Panagopoulos, co-chair of the department.
Homecoming Weekend celebrates Islanders past and present
The Hall of Distinction ceremony was the kick off to John Abbott College’s Homecoming weekend, bringing together alumni, students, families, faculty, staff and community members for a celebration of Islanders past and present.
On Friday night, John Abbott’s student-athletes gave the Homecoming crowd plenty to cheer about, with the women’s basketball, women’s rugby and men’s rugby teams all securing victories and making their home openers ones to remember.
Photo credit: Lester Simpson
The weekend’s entertainment extended beyond the playing fields with a staged reading of Salt-Water Moon, written by David French and directed by theatre instructor Tracy Leigh Campbell. The production featured two alumni of the program, Samira Bergeron and Nathaniel Labrie, in the roles of the play’s two characters.
Homecoming concluded Saturday with the Islanders football team facing Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe. Although the Islanders fell 44-31, the result was secondary to the celebration taking place around the field, with a barbecue, taco truck and a parent-hosted tailgate adding to the atmosphere.
The stands overflowed as folks gathered to cheer on the Islanders. Alumni drove and flew from across the country to return to their roots, with a special welcome extended to the Class of 1976.
