Rick Koch is awarded the Georgian College Board of Governors’ Honorary Diploma at convocation ceremonies. Georgian Board of Governors Vice Chair Jim Bertram, left, and Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes, right, present him with the prestigious honour.
One of the most active and high-profile industry leaders who served in numerous roles with the Automotive Business School of Canada was recognized with an Honourary Diploma, one of Georgian College’s most prestigious honours, at a convocation event.
Rick Koch, Vice President of the Alberta-based Koch Automotive Group, was presented with the honour at an ABSC convocation ceremony by Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes.
“The relationship between the college and the industry is very unique,” says Koch, in an interview with Canadian auto dealer at the convocation event. “For me as a dealer to participate on this board and to help educate the future leaders of our industry is great. “For them to recognize me as a dealer, and my contribution towards this, is an honour.”
In a news release, the college says the Honourary Diploma is presented to a recipient who has “demonstrated excellence in their profession or industry, and who has made a major contribution to an academic program at Georgian College through a significant contribution of expertise, influence and personal time.”
The college says Koch embodies all these criteria, and has served the ABSC since 2010, including two terms as chair.
One of Koch’s lasting contributions was connecting the college with a high-profile advertising agency that helped the ABSC rebrand its image. “As a member of the ABSC Board, Koch was instrumental in helping the school rebrand in 2012 by connecting ABSC with Young + Rubicam, Ford’s advertising agency,” said West-Moynes. “His effort and relationship-building have allowed the ABSC to benefit pro bono from expertise that otherwise would not have been available to the school. The rebranding has helped to significantly increase enrolment.”
Koch also helped develop the ABSC’s Automotive Dealership Management graduate certificate program.
In a nice touch, Koch was on hand to witness the first cohort of graduates from that program receive their own diplomas at the convocation ceremony.
