Proud Georgian grad

Olympian, public speaker, Georgian alumnus and host of The Amazing Race Canada – Jon Montgomery has an astounding resumé.

Jon graduated from Georgian’s Business Administration – Automotive Marketing program in 2000. It was during his time at Georgian that he first heard the Olympics would be coming to Canada in 2010, and he decided then that he wanted to attend as a competitor. The fact that he was not involved in any eligible winter sport or Olympic training program did not dissuade him from his dream.

Over the years that followed, Jon chose skeleton racing and jumped into the sport with zest and determination. On Feb. 19, 2010, Jon tore down the skeleton track in Whistler, BC to win a gold medal for Canada.

He credits his experience with the Georgian College Auto Show for giving him the skills to succeed in the automotive industry, in Olympic sport and, more recently, as the popular host of CTV’s The Amazing Race Canada. Jon says his education gave him the confidence to market himself, to communicate effectively, and to work well with others.

Jon was honoured by his alma mater once more when Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes presented him with the Georgian College Board of Governors’ Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies degree during convocation ceremonies on June 18, 2015.

Not one to shy away from the spotlight, Jon has used his podium to boost the country loves so much, supporting initiatives to make sports available to all children, as well as speaking out on conservation issues.

Learn more about Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities

Jose threw himself into his studies, excelling in the Business Administration three-year co-op program. He also got involved in student life through the Georgian College Students’ Association. He was elected VP for fitness and health in 2018 and 2019.

“I’m happy I was able to connect with a lot of people and to have amazing job experiences,” says Jose.

Now, with graduation looming, Jose is reflective of his time at Georgian.

“The feeling of graduating is unique and fulfilling because it’s a dream and a goal that I really worked hard for. I see that making the decision to come to Georgian was the right one.”
Like all 2020 graduates, Jose is doing his best to navigate his future against the backdrop of COVID-19.

“Right now, I’m in Canada patiently waiting for things to get normal again,” he says. “I had the opportunity to get a full-time job but unfortunately had to stop my training due the pandemic.”

Despite these challenging circumstances Jose remains positive.

“I’m ready to keep looking for opportunities and not let this to demoralize me,” he says.

The fire that propelled him to leave the familiarity of his home to venture to a different country still burns.

“I hope everyone is safe and working as much as possible on their goals even though we are in difficult times. I feel this is an opportunity for each of us to discover deeply what we want to do and recharge our energy to go and chase that “fuerte” that we dream about. Never stop learning and never stop dreaming.”