Alan Bird, industry veteran and a longtime supporter of the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC), donned his gown last week, took the stage, and was honoured with a well deserved Board of Governors’ Honourary Diploma from Georgian College.
The college bestows the honourary diploma to individuals who have “demonstrated excellence in their profession or industry, and made a major contribution to an academic program at the college through a significant contribution of expertise, influence and personal time. Bird embodies all of these criteria,” said the College in a news release issued to mark the honour.
Kevin Weaver, Vice President, International, Workforce Development and Partnerships granted Bird the diploma during ABSC student convocation ceremonies at the Barrie Campus Thursday Oct. 12.
Canadian auto dealer was on hand to witness the diploma granting and caught up with Bird to capture his thoughts on the honour. “Quite frankly it was a little surreal,” said Bird, President and Chief Executive Leader of SCI Marketview. “It was surreal to be sitting up there looking out at all the students. It was a great, great honour.”
Bird has been the chair of the ABSC Marketing Advisory Committee since 2008, and is one of the college’s most visible and vocal advocates. Other employees from his company also donate time and SCI employee and ABSC Alumni Jeremy Wyant is even on the faculty of the program.
“We love bringing in co-op students, they bring a fresh energy to the office,” said Bird, adding that some of those students end up as full-time employees. “They have fresh new ideas that think about where the world is going to be — not where it is. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Bird and SCI also support the annual Georgian College Auto Show and have co-hosted the ABSC Alumni Reception event on the eve of the Toronto International AutoShow.
Some of Bird’s industry peers, who have also sat on the ABSC board with Bird offered their praise for his contributions. “I think what strikes me is his enthusiasm,” says John Sutherland, Executive Vice President of the Nova Scotia Automobile Dealers Association (NSADA). “He has great enthusiasm for the school, the staff and the students. If someone needs assistance to do something positive for the school, and if Alan can provide it — he will,” says Sutherland.
“There’s simply just no better marketer than Alan Bird,” says Rick Gauthier, former President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association. “The thing that has always struck me about Alan is his passion. He is genuinely passionate about this industry, this school and the students. He is totally selfless. For him it’s alway about the industry and what he can do for the school and the students,” says Gauthier.
When she retired as Dean of the ABSC, Dean Marie-Noëlle Bonicalzi says she wanted to see Bird recognized with the honour. “I can not think of any more deserving person to get that,” says Bonicalzi. “Anytime we needed help, Alan was always there, he’s been so supportive. I am so, so happy he got it.”
Bonicalzi was also honoured with a special plaque on display within the ABSC lobby to honour her pioneering work building the college over her many years of service.
Before joining SCI MarketView in 2010, Bird served as president, chief executive officer and chairman of Curomax Corporation, a company he founded and subsequently sold. Prior to forming Curomax, Bird was senior vice president and general manager of FinanciaLink, a division of CIT Group/Newcourt Credit and the Bank of Montreal.
