Lethbridge College is pleased to announce that Troy Reeb will receive an honorary degree at this year’s convocation ceremony. Reeb will receive a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree at the ceremony on April 26 at the Enmax Centre.
A 1988 graduate of the college’s Communication Arts-Broadcast Journalism program, Reeb has become one of the most successful media executives in Canada, recently being promoted to Executive Vice President, Broadcast Networks for Corus Entertainment. It’s the latest role in a storied career that began as a small town radio reporter and included stops as a parliamentary reporter in Ottawa and then later as the Global Television’s Washington Bureau Chief on his way to the executive leadership team at Corus/Global. Reeb is a devoted alumnus who has sponsored a one-of-a-kind internship for Digital Communications and Media students for the past 13 years.
“Troy has re-defined the definition of success when it comes to a Lethbridge College alumnus,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “From his roots at Lethbridge College, he has skillfully climbed his way to the top of his industry. All the while, his commitment to southern Alberta and our college has only grown as a partner, philanthropist, industry resource and mentor to new generations of faculty and students.”
In his role with Corus, Reeb oversees Global Television and its 15 local stations, as well as 44 specialty television stations, 39 radio stations and all of Corus’ online platforms and apps. Under his leadership, Global News became the first Canadian network to ever win the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in journalism in 2013, and followed it up a year later with the award for Best Website, and two years after that with the first-ever Murrow Award for Innovation.
Reeb first offered his unique internship experience to a Lethbridge College student in 2006, and now each year, one deserving student spends time as a guest of his at Corus TV and radio stations in Toronto and Ottawa. He was named the college’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2003 and is a frequent visitor to campus, spending time with both students and faculty to discuss the state of the broadcasting industry and helping to guide potential career opportunities.
He will be the 19th person to receive an honorary degree from Lethbridge College since the award was first given in 1986.
“I have long been a strong believer in the unique blend of academic and practical education offered by Lethbridge College,” says Reeb. “From the first day I walked through its doors when I was 16, I knew it was a special place. To be invited to cross the convocation stage once again in 2019 is humbling and a tremendous honour.”
Prior to his executive career, Reeb worked as both a radio and television reporter. He began his career at a radio station in his hometown of Westlock, Alta., before moving on to a variety of other reporting and anchoring assignments.
Reeb actively gives back to his community and his industry, serving on numerous boards of directors, including with Canadian Broadcast Sales, Radioplayer Canada, the Canadian Radio CEO Council and Journalists for Human Rights.
Reeb will also be recognized the evening before Convocation at the college’s annual Honouring Excellence event. He will be joined by alumni award recipients Rick Lewchuk, Dr. Sandra Davidson, Jason VandenHoek and former Troy Reeb Internship winner Quinn Ohler, on April 25 in the Garden Court dining room. The community is invited to be a part of the annual event and enjoy a cocktail reception and a delicious meal prepared by the Culinary Careers students and staff of Lethbridge College.
Tickets for the Honouring Excellence event are $75 for general admission, $65 for alumni and $50 for current students. Tickets and more information are available at lethpolytech.ca/alumni or by contacting alumni@lethpolytech.ca.