Honorary Diploma recipients

David Frederick Arenburg is a successful business owner, dedicated supporter and passionate advocate of NSCC. Having served on the NSCC Foundation Board of Directors for more than 10 years, he has left a lasting impact on the College and the many students he has supported – whether as an advocate, employer or mentor.

David was a key supporter of the NSCC Foundation Make Way campaign in 2018-19 and is a frequent guest speaker at NSCC’s Burridge Campus – sharing insights on business models, including franchising.

For over 30 years, David and his wife Elizabeth owned and operated franchises in Southwest Nova Scotia, including five Tim Hortons locations and one Wendy’s.

His commitment to his community and province extends beyond his businesses, with service on numerous boards, including the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, the Nova Scotia Western Regional Enterprise Network and Nova Scotia Business Inc. David was named the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year (2007) and received the Waste Check Environmental Service Award (2012).

His current passion is supporting the community’s efforts to raise $10 million for the $42-million expansion of the Mariners Recreation Complex in Yarmouth.

David and his wife, Elizabeth, enjoy spending time with their two daughters and their families. As an experienced sailor, he values time on the water with friends and family. David’s commitment to supporting others and strengthening his community has left a lasting impact that will continue to be felt for years to come.

Ann Brown has worked with Nova Scotia Power for almost 17 years. Most recently, she has been the company’s Contract Management Analyst – a role she designed based on the needs of the company.

After attending Women Unlimited – a trades and technology career exploration and preparation program at NSCC – Ann went on to complete a Marine and Industrial Rigging program at the College which launched the trajectory of her career. She completed her apprenticeship as an industrial electrician at Nova Scotia Power and then worked in the plants and substations for more than a decade.

In addition to her work at Nova Scotia Power, Ann is a prominent member of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) community. She has served in the role of co-chair for the Black Employee Resource Group for three years and was a founding member of, and continues to serve on, their first Employee Resource Group to support women in trades (WEARE+).

Ann has spearheaded numerous events across the company to educate on and celebrate the Black experience, particularly as it relates to Nova Scotia’s historic Black communities. Ann is someone who “leads from behind” and despite not being one for the spotlight, she is also regularly called upon as a speaker, panelist and participant in internal events, community events and engagements with community investment partners.

Ann has shown an outstanding commitment to supporting and advocating for women in trades. Her tireless efforts have helped break barriers, create opportunities and foster an inclusive environment for women pursuing careers in traditionally underrepresented fields.

Ann serves as a role model and mentor in many areas. After receiving support from Women Unlimited at the outset of her career search, she now gives back by mentoring those beginning their professional journey. She advocates for systemic and policy change and is heavily involved in community engagement.

Ann has not only empowered individuals, but her efforts have strengthened the trades sector by promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion efforts. She thrives on inspiring others and continuously works to “pass along the positivity” every day.

Ann and her husband have eight wonderful children - four daughters and four sons - and seven wonderful grandchildren.

Jude Clyke has dedicated his life to serving others as a coach, mentor, community leader, and advocate for equity and social action. His purpose and personal experiences have fueled his passion for helping individuals navigate their own unique journeys toward personal growth, healing and fulfillment.

Jude is a proud African Nova Scotian from a small Black community in Truro known as “The Island,” where he has lived for most of his life. His community has shaped his values, perspective and commitment to service. As a husband, father and grandfather, family remains at the centre of everything he does.

Before beginning his work with the Black Educators Association at NSCC’s Truro Campus, Jude worked with the Department of Community Services and was actively involved in community development initiatives throughout northern Nova Scotia. During this time, he helped create and support programs focused on youth development, education and cultural identity, including Afrocentric Saturday school programming, tutoring initiatives, summer camps and adult literacy programs.

For more than 25 years, Jude built a distinguished career within the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), working with individuals and communities across both urban and rural regions. He began at Springhill Institution in Nova Scotia, later moving to the Dartmouth Parole Office as a community parole officer before relocating to the Truro Area Parole Office in 2010.

Jude worked collaboratively with the Crown in Truro and community partners to help develop the Colchester African Nova Scotian Justice Strategy – a community-based initiative aimed at addressing gaps between African Nova Scotian communities and the justice system. The strategy included the development of a justice navigator role and other culturally responsive supports for individuals in conflict with the law. From 2022 to 2025, he served on the Board of Directors of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute.

Jude later assumed the role of Senior Project Officer within the Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion Directorate at CSC National Headquarters, where he has continued advancing initiatives focused on equity, inclusion and culturally responsive approaches within corrections.

His community leadership has extended beyond his professional career. He helped establish Community Strong – an organization focused on community support, service initiatives, youth engagement and community events. He also founded the Black Men’s Wellness Group at NSCC’s Truro Campus, creating a safe and supportive space for Black men to engage in conversations related to health, identity and mental wellness. Jude is also involved in organizing the Black Men’s Conference in Halifax and the Black Men’s Summit in Tatamagouche.

Jude currently serves as Secretary of Futureworx and President of the Truro Black Cultural Development Association.

Through his wellness coaching, facilitation and community engagement work, Jude continues to support individuals and communities in realizing their potential and creating meaningful change.

His dedication to community service and social justice has been recognized through numerous awards. These include the CSC Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission’s Dr. Burnley Allan “Rocky” Jones Award, the Truro Sports Heritage Society Sport and Recreation Award and being named 2016 Colchester County Volunteer of the Year.

Doug Doucet is a hands-on, strategically focused executive known for building high-performing teams, strengthening client relationships and delivering complex projects. He is President and CEO of Doucet Developments in Bedford, Nova Scotia, a front-facing entity for the Doucet Developments group of companies.

Doug’s leadership spans three decades and many operating companies, including rcs construction, Mill-Right Woodworking, Tier Too Properties and PMco. He is also an active business partner in local hospitality ventures, including restaurant operations, a golf course and holds additional property interests such as hotels and multi-residential assets.

At Doucet Developments, Doug emphasizes operational discipline, scalable production capacity, and a culture built on reputation and long-term relationships. He supports execution and alignment using an Entrepreneurial Operating System, reinforcing clear priorities, accountability and measurable performance across teams. Doug champions a values-driven approach rooted in accountability, communication and teamwork, and continues to grow the organization while maintaining a family-minded, relationship-driven environment. 

Doug’s leadership priorities are guided by four pillars: workplace diversification, culture engagement, mental wellness and digital optimization – reflecting his belief that strong teams, modern systems and a healthy workplace culture drive consistent outcomes for clients and long-term success.

Community leadership is a meaningful part of Doug’s life and work. In recent years, he has served in a range of board, trustee, advisory and chair roles. These include serving as a Trustee with the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies, Advisory Board Member with Kwik Chef Inc., Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society: Think Like Cancer Committee, and Board Member/Investor with Halifax Hurricanes Basketball. His past governance roles also include governance representation with Mount Saint Vincent University, the IWK Health Centre, the IWK Foundation and the Construction Association of Nova Scotia. He is particularly proud to have been part of the Great Big Dig for the IWK, helping raise over $1 million for the IWK during his time as Chair and Innovator.

Jax Irwin is an award-winning creator, podcast host, and radio and television personality from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She is best known for her viral short-form content across digital platforms, including her East Coast Call series. 

A graduate of NSCC’s Radio Television Arts program (now Radio Television Journalism) in 2010, Jax began her career in broadcast media after discovering the College through an information session. She worked in media across British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia, building her career from Halifax radio to eventually co-hosting the morning show on Virgin Radio Toronto.

After stepping away from traditional broadcast in 2023, Jax began building her own digital media and production company in Toronto, creating story-driven content and social campaigns for brands including General Motors, Paramount+, BMO and Tim Hortons. In 2025, she also launched the podcast “The Adam Wylde & Jax Show” alongside her longtime friend and former co-host, Adam Wylde, continuing to grow her audience across audio, video and social platforms.

Jax enjoys creating content that makes people smile and built a large audience through her “Random East Coast Calls” series, centred around spontaneous conversations with strangers across Atlantic Canada. Living away from Nova Scotia, she found the series gave her a meaningful connection to the region and helped her stay connected to her roots while away from home. The series has resonated widely for its warmth, humour and celebration of East Coast culture and community.

Jax credits NSCC as an invaluable part of both her personal and professional journey. She often speaks about the confidence, belonging, and creative direction she found at the College, and remains a proud supporter of the opportunities it creates for future storytellers and creatives.

Debbie Johnson-Powell has served as a community interpreter in Nova Scotia for more than four decades. A Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), Debbie’s life and career have been shaped by an unwavering commitment to accessibility, equity and social inclusion.

Debbie began interpreting for her parents and her brother, who is also Deaf, at a very young age. Over time, she became widely known across Nova Scotia as the person Deaf community members turned to for support in whatever situations arose. What began simply as an act of care and responsibility eventually evolved into a deeply respected interpreting career.

In addition to mentoring countless American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program (AEIP) students across generations, Debbie has provided interpreting services for the College on numerous occasions. In doing so, she has helped ensure access for Deaf employees, students and community members – reinforcing the College’s commitment to accessibility.

Through her decades of sustained engagement with AEIP students, faculty, Deaf community members and provincial partners, Debbie’s interpreting work and mentorship have fostered important relationships beyond the classroom, strengthening social infrastructure and equitable participation across Nova Scotia.

Debbie’s leadership in the field was publicly recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic. She interpreted every provincial update, alongside the Premier and Chief Medical Examiner, to support the timely and equitable access to critical public health information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians. This tireless work, alongside team member Richard Martell, received the gratitude of the Nova Scotia Government.

Debbie’s work was also honoured through an award from the Halifax Association for the Deaf (1994) and by the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters with the Phyllis Joynt Mentorship Award (2016).

Her work embodies the very heart of interpreting as a profession rooted in relationship, responsibility and service to Deaf communities in Nova Scotia.

Debbie and her husband, Ron, have one son.

Stuart MacLeod is the founder of MacLeod Lorway Insurance, headquartered in Sydney with offices across Nova Scotia. 

In 1965, after gaining early career experience in Calgary, Montreal and New Glasgow, Stuart returned to Sydney to join his father's insurance business. He later assumed full ownership of Stuart MacLeod Limited and began expanding the family enterprise. Through the merger with C.R. Lorway and Son, MacLeod Lorway Insurance was formed and grew into one of the province's leading brokerages.

Beyond his business achievements, Stuart has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community leadership. He has served as President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia and has been actively involved with many local organizations. Stuart is a strong supporter of Cape Breton University, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and Nova Scotia Community College - Sydney Waterfront Campus. He has also played a significant role in local hockey, serving as President of the Glace Bay-Sydney Metro Bees and the Sydney Millionaires, and as a founding member and long-time Chair of the Cape Breton Eagles.

His contributions have been widely recognized, including being inducted into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame (2006) and the Cape Breton Philanthropy Hall of Fame (2022), as well as being awarded an honorary degree from Cape Breton University. This year, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality recognized his 60 years in business and lasting impact on the community by declaring January 7, 2026 as Stuart MacLeod Day.

A resident of Northside East Bay, Stuart exemplifies dedication, leadership and community service. He and his wife, Nonie, recently celebrated 60 years of marriage and are proud parents of four children, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Joseph, who grew up in Sydney and now calls Port Hawkesbury home, began his career as a truck driver. He is now president of Atlantic Corporation Limited (holding company for his group of companies that include Shannex, Seaboard Transport Group and Metro Self Storage). His corporate interests also extend to the IT, real estate and construction sectors.

Joseph’s acumen and energy grew the corporation from a small-town business to a giant in North America. His efforts have been instrumental in modernizing Cape Breton's economy through the restructuring of several major Crown corporations, as well as his commitment to mentoring young business leaders.

Joseph has extended his success in business to generous support for organizations including the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, the QEII Health Science Centre, the Gaelic College and the Port Hawkesbury Community Centre, among many others. His extensive support of Cape Breton University includes helping to develop its Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies and Aboriginal Youth Mentorship Program at the Shannon School of Business. Most recently, major donations were made to a group of Atlantic universities to advance research in health care, AI and workforce development.

Joseph has been a valued and trusted partner of NSCC for over 25 years, especially through Shannex and its various service lines, including long term care and transitional health services. During this time, he has built a legacy of philanthropy and a deep commitment to education and the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. Through initiatives such as Sponsor‑a‑Student and bursaries for Practical Nursing students, the Shannon family and Shannex continue to demonstrate their belief in the College’s work by reducing financial barriers and empowering students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare.

Most recently, Shannex provided a transformative gift that will have a lasting impact on students, the College, and Unama’ki–Cape Breton’s healthcare workforce. The new Shannex Continuing Care and Nursing Labs provide students with a modernized learning environment equipped with the latest technology. Joseph was connected to this project from the very beginning – including dropping into an evening class to greet Continuing Care and Practical Nursing students with his two sons. The College is deeply grateful for his leadership and vision which have strengthened support for health‑related programs at NSCC campuses across the province.

His extensive achievements have been recognized nationally – as a laureate of the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and as a member of the Order of Canada; and provincially – as a laureate in the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame and as a member of the Order of Nova Scotia. Locally, Joseph was the first person to be inducted into the Cape Breton Philanthropy Hall of Fame.

The tireless efforts, generosity and entrepreneurial contributions of Joseph Patrick Shannon have enriched the lives of community members and organizations throughout the province and beyond.