Loyalist College to award four honorary diplomas at 2025 Convocation ceremonies

Belleville, ON, May 26, 2025 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce it will confer honorary diplomas on four outstanding community and industry leaders during the college’s 58th annual Convocation ceremonies, taking place June 4 – 6 and June 9 – 11, 2025.

“Though their paths are distinct, each of this year’s honorary diploma recipients shares a deep commitment to leadership, service and community,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Whether driving innovation, breaking barriers or stepping up to support their communities, their stories demonstrate that progress is sparked by bold action and sustained by perseverance.” 

Honorary diplomas are awarded at Convocation to individuals who embody Loyalist College’s core values through their outstanding achievements and community impact, serving as examples of excellence for students and graduates.

“At Loyalist, we strive to nurture a blend of professional excellence and social responsibility in our students. As they build better lives for themselves, they are also helping to shape a more innovative, equitable and sustainable world,” President Kirkpatrick added. “I know this year’s recipients will inspire our graduates to take what they’ve learned and put it into practice in meaningful ways.” 

Loyalist’s 2025 honorary diploma recipients are:

Lisa Ali
CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward
Lisa Ali is the CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Hastings Prince Edward, which provides a range of mental health supports – including addiction services, crisis intervention, and community-based programs – to individuals across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. With an MA in Social Work from York University, an MHSc in Health Administration from the University of Toronto, and extensive experience in clinical and managerial roles, Lisa’s career is characterized by a deep commitment to community health and well-being. Her leadership at CMHA reflects a dedication to fostering a compassionate and inclusive approach to mental health and addictions care. 

Regyna Armonas
Former Olympian and Ontario Provincial Police Officer
Regyna Armonas is a trailblazing athlete and former Olympian whose career spans competitive sports, public service and community leadership. In 1976, Regyna competed at the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal as a member of the Canadian National Women’s Volleyball team. In 1981, after enrolling at Loyalist College and finding there was no Women’s Volleyball team, Regyna made history by joining the Men’s team – becoming the only woman ever to compete in Varsity Men’s Volleyball in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association. In 1983, Regyna joined the Ontario Provincial Police in Renfrew, serving her community with distinction. In 2005, she was recognized with the Governor General’s Police Exemplary Service Medal for her dedicated service. 

Chandy Davis
Co-Owner, Electro Cables Inc.
Chandy Davis is co-owner of Electro Cables Inc., a family-owned manufacturing company based in Quinte West. With a Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University, Chandy has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the organization. She is the first female Chair of the Quinte Manufacturers Association. Chandy’s leadership extends beyond her corporate role, earning her numerous accolades, including the 2018 Quinte Business Person of the Year Award and an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce for her contributions to the community.

Taylor Russett
Owner, Grind & Vine, Russett Photography and Lafferty’s Menswear
Taylor Russett is the owner and operator of The Grind and Vine, a popular coffee house and wine bar in Trenton, Ontario. A passionate entrepreneur, Taylor also owns Russett Photography and recently expanded his business portfolio by acquiring Lafferty’s Menswear. He holds a BA in Communications and Media Studies from Carleton University and an MA in Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University. In 2024, Taylor became the youngest campaign chair in the history of United Way Hastings & Prince Edward, leading a campaign focused on mobilizing youth and fostering a more inclusive, equitable community. Taylor’s dedication to his community is evident through his volunteer work and his efforts to create welcoming spaces for all. 

About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities. 

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Contact:

Hannah Brown,
Director, Marketing and Communications
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com