Fran Couchie
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is presented to an alumnus whose achievement and excellence in their endeavours have distinguished them as a valued leader. The recipient will have demonstrated positive influence through their professional pursuits and as a result of their actions, the alumnus will have made a strong contribution to the prestige and reputation of Nipissing University.
About Fran Couchie
Fran’s connections to Nipissing University go back a long way, as it was here that she began her post secondary education, when it was Nipissing College of Laurentian University. She transferred to Waterloo University and after a brief time off, to travel across Canada, she returned to complete her undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts and Science) at the University of Guelph.
Fran returned to Nipissing University to attend the Faculty of Education which led to a number of years of very unique teaching experiences! Her goal was to “go North” but chose first to “gain some experience” closer to home. She moved to the small community of Thorne Ontario (across the Ottawa River from Temiscaming Quebec) for a position that immediately caught her interest - an English classroom of 24 students, grades 1 to 6, situated within a small French language school of approximately 100 students, Kindergarten to grade 8! A wonderful (and challenging) beginning to a teaching career, in a very welcoming community setting! Following two years there and a year off to study Pottery & Design at Canadore College, Fran returned to teaching in a Primary Special Education class in North Bay.
Opportunity knocked with a job offer from Indian And Northern Attairs Canada (INAC, at that time) to head north to Attawapiskat on the west coast of James Bay! Those four wonderful years of teaching and learning in Attawapiskat had a profound influence on the rest of her life, both personally and professionally.
From Attawapiskat Fran moved to London Ontario to complete her Master of Education degree at Western University. Fran and husband Mike welcomed the arrival of their first daughter at this time also! Busy days for sure!
While at Western University Fran took on a short contract working with a team of Education Specialists completing a province-wide assessment of Special Education needs in the First Nation federal schools. She visited communities in what was then referred to as the Nakina District, north of Thunder Bay. Fran observed many similarities to the unique challenges and opportunities of her teaching experiences in Attawapiskat.
Upon completion of her Masters degree Fran was transferred to the Indian Affairs District Office in Fort Francis Ontario. Her responsibilities there focused on supporting the implementation of Post secondary funding with the First Nations in the District. A year later a move followed to the Sudbury District Office with a Special Education portfolio.
Fran & husband Micheal decided it was time to “settle down” so the next move was to her partner’s home community of Nipissing First Nation. With the arrival of two more daughters, Fran’s new role became that of a full-time, at home Mom! Well, almost full-time Mom, as she took on some part-time teaching at Canadore College (Multi-culturalism in Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies) and a little later at Nipissing University in the Native Classroom Assistants’ Program.
Fran’s career took a change of direction,when she moved into the field of Early Intervention Services, as Team Psychometrist with the Infant and Child Development Program. Over the next 17 years Fran worked with families and young children, and a wide variety of local health, child care and educational professionals.
During this time a number of these professionals grew concerned about the number of very young children who were “falling through the cracks” and not accessing support services (speech, physiotherapy, occupational therapy etc,) in a timely manner so they decided to do something about this. The result was the creation of the Looksee Checklist (initially incorporated as the Nipissing District Developmental Screen). Fran is one of the original group and has continued to serve on the Looksee Checklist Board of Directors for over 30 years. Although ‘a side-line’ as it were, this involvement has given Fran the opportunity to travel across Canada participating in conferences, and providing training workshops to a wide variety of communities and populations. Very rewarding work indeed!
Of particular interest to Fran, while working with Infant and Child Development was supporting the transition of young children with special needs into the school system. This eventually led her back into the field of Education, serving as Director of Education with Nipissing First Nation, for 9 years. Responsibilities included overseeing elementary, secondary and post secondary education for members of the First Nation, including the negotiation of Education service agreements with the four local provincial school boards and implementation of a reciprocal education service agreement with the Ministry of Education - a big step in educational funding equity for Nipissing First Nation.
During this time historical work was happening as the Anishinabek Nation was negotiating an Education Self Government Agreement with the Federal government, the largest such agreement in Canada.
Fran was honoured to be able to participate as Nipissing First Nation’s representative with the Education Working Group (representatives from the participating First Nation communities serving as advisors to the Anishinabek Nation negotiators) from 2007-2016. The Agreement was finally ratified in 2017!
As Director of Education for Nipissing First Nation Fran was once again involved with Nipissing University, serving as an active member of the Nipissing University Indigenous Education Council. This led to a partnership, working with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, that directly benefited Nipissing First Nation elementary and secondary students and Nipissing University Faculty of Education students!
Since retiring in 2016 Fran has continued to be actively involved with Education at Nipissing First Nation (NFN) in several voluntary roles, serving for a time as a member of the Region Three Education Council and the NFN Education Committee. She was appointed by Chief Scott McLeod as his designate on the Board of Governors at Nipissing University and Chief Cathy Stevens renewed that appointment in 2024.
While on the Board of Governors Fran served on several different Board Committees as well as Senate, the Indigenous Community Engagement Plan Committee ( part of the Research Ethics process) and the Nipissing University Indigenous Education Council).
Fran appreciates the support (and patience) of her husband and daughters over the years as she has pursued her various career interests. She considers herself very fortunate for the wide range of career opportunities she has had in the field of Education.
Through all of this, Fran is most grateful for the wonderful people (of all ages) whom she has met along the way, worked alongside, learned from and shared with.
Dylan Dastany
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Alumni Award is presented to a recent graduate of Nipissing University who has demonstrated significant achievements on a professional, community or volunteer basis or has displayed promise of significant future accomplishments. It is awarded to an alumnus who has graduated in the last five years.
About Dylan Dastany
Dylan Dastany graduated from Nipissing University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. His career at McDonald Brothers Construction began in 2020, when he joined the company as an Accounts Payable Coordinator. Since then, he has progressed through several roles and now serves as Assistant Controller.
Dylan’s work supports the financial side of construction projects throughout Ontario. What he values most about his role is knowing what those numbers ultimately represent: affordable housing, shelters, schools, recreational centres, long-term care homes, and other spaces that people rely on. His contributions to the company have been recognized with the Recognition of Outstanding Effort Award in 2023 and the Outstanding Service and Devotion Award in 2025.
In 2024, Dylan also co-founded Dastany Psychotherapy & Wellness Clinic in Ottawa. As the clinic’s Executive Director of Finance & Strategy, he works behind the scenes overseeing its finances, operations, marketing, and growth. He is especially proud that this work has allowed the clinic to welcome new therapists and provide mental health support to a growing number of clients.
Dylan is currently pursuing an MBA in Global Business at Université Laval while continuing his work in both construction and mental health care. Managing these responsibilities has not always been easy, but it reflects his curiosity, determination, and desire to keep growing.
Dylan credits his time at Nipissing with helping him build the confidence and practical knowledge that allowed him to take on opportunities he would not have imagined earlier in his career.
Gowri Sahasranama Krishnan
Philanthropy Award
The newly created Philanthropy Alumni Award is presented to an alumnus or champion of Nipissing University who is making significant contributions to improve their community through their generosity, dedication, commitment and service. The ideal candidate is passionate about an important social cause, freely gives their time, exemplifies great leadership qualities and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the social challenge related to his or her cause. This can include attempting to break down biases, change perceptions and alleviate issues impeding progress while working toward conquering a problem or responding to a need in a tangible way.
Gowri Sahasranama Krishnan
When Gowri arrived in Canada, she brought with her a dream of building a meaningful life rooted in purpose, service, and community. Beginning that journey during a global pandemic strengthened her resilience and reinforced her belief that true success is measured not only by personal achievement, but by the positive impact we have on others.
Today, Gowri is a Financial Planner at IG Wealth Management, where she helps individuals and families across Northern Ontario build financial confidence and achieve their long-term goals. She holds the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Personal Financial Planner (PFP®) designations, along with several other industry credentials, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. Gowri also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and graduated from Nipissing University in 2021 after completing a Post-Baccalaureate diploma in Human Resource Management. Together, these experiences have shaped her people-first approach to leadership, financial planning, and community engagement.
Giving back has always been central to Gowri's journey. Before moving to Canada, she volunteered in India through blood donation drives, hair donation initiatives supporting cancer patients, and palliative care programs. She has continued that commitment in Canada as a Board Director for Nipissing Serenity Hospice, North Bay - contributing to governance and strategic planning to help ensure compassionate end-of-life care remains accessible in the community.
A proud graduate of Nipissing University, Gowri believes that leadership begins with service and that even small acts of kindness can create lasting change. Whether through financial literacy, volunteer leadership, or community engagement, she is passionate about empowering others and creating opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and the communities they call home.
Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, Gowri finds her greatest support in her husband, Nikhil Prasannan, her high school sweetheart, whose encouragement has been constant throughout her journey. Together, they believe in building a life grounded in compassion, service, and creating meaningful opportunities to give back.
Dr. Carole Richardson
Honorary Alumni Award
The Honorary Alumni Award is presented to an individual who is not a graduate of the University, but whose actions and dedication have made a positive impact on the Nipissing University experience. This honour recognizes friends of Nipissing University for outstanding service, commitment and contribution, past or present, to the University.
About Dr. Carole Richardson
Dr. Carole Richardson is an educator, musician, researcher, and academic leader whose career has spanned Ontario and the Cayman Islands.
After earning a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Acadia University, she completed an Artist Diploma, Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, and PhD in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the University of Toronto and OISE.
Carole began her career as a classroom music teacher and children's choir conductor in Ontario and the Cayman Islands, experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to music education. This passion remained central to her academic work, including many years teaching music education in Nipissing University's Schulich School of Education and directing the Eddie Choir.
Since joining Nipissing University in the early 2000s, Carole has served as a faculty member, researcher, and academic administrator. Her scholarship has focused on collaborative narrative inquiry and the role of the arts in education.
Over more than two decades at Nipissing, she has held several senior leadership roles, including Associate Dean and Dean of the Schulich School of Education, Dean of Education and Professional Studies, and, most recently, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research, and Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic.
Throughout her career, Carole has united her passions for teaching, music, research, teacher education, and university leadership, culminating in senior academic leadership at the institution where she has spent much of her professional life.
Amil Mohammed Ferhath
Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award
Presented to a graduate whose dedication and leadership has influenced significant change and prosperity within their community. The recipient may be an alumnus of one of the following institutions: North Bay Normal School, Teacher’s College, Nipissing University College or Nipissing University.
About Amil Mohammed Ferhath
Aamil Mohammed Ferhath is a Nipissing University alumnus and International Education Officer at Ontario Tech University. A Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor, he has built his career around service, advocacy, and helping international students navigate transitions he once experienced. Originally from Chennai, India, he completed a bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering and worked in entrepreneurship, administration, and client services before coming to Canada.
In 2019, Aamil moved to North Bay to join Nipissing University's Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Business Administration. The welcome he found at Nipissing and in North Bay inspired him to become deeply involved. He served as a Student Recruitment Ambassador, International Student Mentor, Accounting Teaching Assistant, NU Gateway Community Leader, and Director-at-Large with the Nipissing University Student Union. Across these roles, he represented international perspectives and helped foster a more inclusive campus. His leadership earned him the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, the Post-Baccalaureate Student Leadership Award for two consecutive years, and Best Rookie Campus Tour.
After graduating, Aamil returned to Nipissing to work in International Student Services and later as International Mobility Coordinator. Drawing on his own experience of adapting to a new country, he supported students through academic and settlement challenges, as well as the stress, loneliness, and uncertainty that often accompany transition. He encouraged them to seek help, use available resources, and view asking for support as a strength.
In 2023, Aamil established the Aamil Mohammed Ferhath Award at Nipissing University after seeing how few scholarship opportunities were available to international students. The award supports international students pursuing business who demonstrate volunteerism and involvement in campus life, creating an opportunity he had wished existed during his studies.
Aamil later became a licensed immigration advisor and continued his work at Canadore College and Ontario Tech. He now serves as International Education Officer at Ontario Tech, helping students navigate immigration, academic and cultural transitions, and life in Canada and beyond. He plans to pursue Queen's University's Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law as the next step toward qualifying as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and extending his support to a broader international and newcomer community.
Aamil became a Canadian citizen in November 2025, marking an important milestone in a journey that began in Chennai and was shaped by his time in North Bay. Although his career has taken him elsewhere, he remains closely connected to Nipissing, North Bay, and the wider international student community. His guiding belief is simple: he arrived in Canada looking for opportunity, and he stayed to create opportunity for others.