Community Involvement

Former school board trustee appointed to Algonquin College Alumni Advisory Committee
(Until spring of 2026)

Pembroke Observer and News

Author: Anthony Dixon

Publishing date:

Jan 16, 2021 

Former Renfrew County District School Board trustee and Algonquin College Pembroke Campus alumna Wendy Hewitt has joined the College’s Alumni and Friends Network Advisory Committee. Hewitt, who is a graduate of the Office Administration –Executive program, will represent the Pembroke Campus on the committee.

The advisory committee helps guide the activities and direction of Algonquin College’s efforts to build a strong and vibrant alumni community. This work includes promoting the College’s programs, identifying opportunities to engage with alumni and helping organize special events and activities for alumni.

Hewitt has a strong family connection to the college. In addition to being a graduate, two of her children have also completed programs at Algonquin, giving her a broad perspective on the impact a college education can have on people of all ages. Hewitt began her studies at Algonquin College as a mature student as she transitioned into a new career, an experience she says, “opened her eyes to all that the college had to offer.”

“We are very pleased to have Wendy represent our campus as she is such a positive person who believes so strongly in education,” said Jamie Bramburger, the Pembroke campus’s manager of Community and Student Affairs. “Her experience as a school board trustee and her personal experiences with the college and the Pembroke Campus will bring an excellent perspective to the committee.”

Since graduating, Hewitt has worked in fundraising with the Pembroke Petawawa District Community Foundation, as a legal assistant at a law firm, and she is currently the clerical assistant to the executive director at Hospice Renfrew. She served almost a decade as a school board trustee until 2018. While she was studying at the Pembroke Campus in 2016, Hewitt became the chairwoman of the Renfrew County District School Board, taking on a senior leadership role in public education within Renfrew County.

“I’m a proud Algonquin College graduate and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity to be more involved with the College’s Alumni and Friends Network Advisory Committee,” Hewitt said. “There are so many wonderful graduates doing amazing things in our communities and I know they want to help their alma mater be just as successful as they are.”

Hewitt replaces Kathy Prescott, a graduate of the Electronics Engineering Technician program, who had been involved in the Alumni and Friends Network for almost 15 years. The committee meets quarterly, and committee members also attend special events such as convocation ceremonies and the annual Alumni of Distinction Awards that recognize graduates who have done exceptional things in their career or through public service.

“We are very proud to have Wendy join our Alumni and Friends Network Advisory Committee and to work alongside our Alumni Relations team. Our mission at Algonquin College is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success and the advisory committee is an integral part of our continued engagement with our alumni,” said Mark Savenkoff, vice-president, Advancement.

Algonquin College celebrated a milestone in 2020 when it marked having 200,000 graduates in its more than 50-year history.

AC Pembroke student elected Chair of Renfrew County District School Board

DECEMBER 9, 2016 (from Algonquin College Website)

One of Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus students now holds one of the most powerful positions in the Renfrew County District School Board. After serving as a trustee with the board for several years, Wendy Hewitt has been elected as the new Chair of the board. Hewitt enrolled in the Office Administration-Executive program this past fall after her son completed the Construction Techniques program.

Hewitt was so impressed by the college she made a life decision to re-train for a new career, after spending many years as a hairdresser.   She admits it was a big decision, but says she is really enjoying her experience at Algonquin and learning a lot from her faculty. 

STEPHEN UHLER stephen.uhler@sunmedia.ca 

Friday, October 17, 2014 Pembroke Daily Observer

Wendy Hewitt seeking second term as public school board trustee for Laurentian Valley
and North Algona Wilberforce 

Wendy Hewitt wants to continue representing Laurentian Valley and North Algona Wilberforce townships as a trustee on the Renfrew County District School Board. “Being a trustee certainly has been a very rewarding job,” she said. “However, there are many challenges as well that come with working on behalf of our children and families in our rural community.” When she was first elected in 2010, Hewitt admits she did not fully understand the role in its entirety. “The role for sure is more complex in some ways and yet quite simple at the same time, as the priority is always what is best for our students in Renfrew County,” she said. Hewitt and her husband are the proud parents of three sons in the public education system. She said her oldest son just recently graduated with a SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) in transportation from Fellowes High School and her other two sons are Grade 10 and 11 students also attending Fellowes. “As my children were coming up through our public school, I volunteered my time on a weekly basis in their younger years as a reading and math assistant in the classroom and also worked as an educational assistant at Rockwood Public School,” she said. “I also had the privilege of driving my own children to Rockwood as their bus driver for many years before being elected for my first term in 2010. So I have been involved in a lot of different aspects of the education system.” Hewitt said she has been a very active trustee, visiting most of the schools, and still volunteers when she can as a pianist to help with music programs. She currently serves on the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) and has for the past four years. Hewitt said for the past year she has been a part of SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) which is made up of staff, trustees and local parent associations. When she is not with my family and involved in the various roles of the school board, Hewitt works part-time at Murphy Funeral Home as a funeral assistant/receptionist/organist and very much enjoys being a part of the team that is committed to ensuring all the needs are met with true compassion towards families in the community. She also serves as one of the pianists at Wesley Community Church. “I would like to continue my role as your school board trustee for 2014-2018 in Laurentian Valley/North Algona Wilberforce. I will continue, if elected, to make the best decisions I can for all students in Renfrew County.”