April 9, 2025 the CWBA – Kitchener Chapter had the immense privilege of celebrating the remarkable achievements of our future welding trades and technology leaders at the Annual Welding Awards Gala, hosted by the CWB Association Conestoga College Student Chapter.
Say that five times fast …
This event was not just a gathering; it was a heartfelt recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion that our students pour into their craft.
For we are all Wrighting our own ships…
Especially proud to support this event alongside industry stalwarts like Jeff Moulton and Jim Galloway, whose unwavering commitment to our students has been instrumental in making this year’s gala a resounding success. Their contributions exemplify the spirit of mentorship and guidance that is vital in shaping the next generation of skilled workers.
A special shoutout goes to the incredible Gala committee: Helena, Tam, Emily, Robin, Sam, Serena, and many others. Your tireless efforts and dedication made this event possible, and we are grateful to each of you. If you were part of the committee or the student chapter, we invite you to share your experiences and celebrate your contributions to the vibrant welding community at Conestoga College.
The evening was filled with joy as we honored the achievements of the students, bringing together a diverse group of attendees, including students, industry professionals, alumni, faculty, and retired educators. Together, we created an atmosphere of encouragement and support, underscoring the strong bonds that exist within our community.
This year, 19 awards were proudly presented, many of which included monetary incentives to assist our hardworking students on their educational journeys. These awards, spanning various programs from trades to technology and engineering, were made possible through generous industry donations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Conestoga College for their ongoing organization of this event and their commitment to fostering connections between students and industry.
The student chapter has been diligently working to build bridges between students and the welding industry, ensuring that our future professionals are well-prepared for their careers. Initiatives like the “Strike an Arc Grant” reflect their commitment to giving back, helping high school youth explore welding programs, and paying it forward. It is this spirit of community and dedication that has enabled us to celebrate 19 deserving awards this year.
Looking around the room, I was filled with gratitude for our alumni who returned to share their experiences and successes. Their presence reminded us of the importance of connection and support within our industry. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success—your support means the world to all of us!
Moreover, we are deeply appreciative of the sponsors, whose generous contributions make such events possible. It is their commitment to our community that allows us to thrive and grow.
Reflecting on my own journey, I see how far we’ve come from manufacturing engineering, technology, welding, and robotics to becoming a diverse pool of interconnected professionals in various roles. This legacy has been built by the giants of our past, and I am grateful to have learned from esteemed individuals like Jack Ronan, Kevin Furness, Jason Wagg, Laura Potje, Karsten Madsen, Jim Galloway, and Stu Hood. Their commitment to quality and integrity has profoundly shaped my perspective and the future of our industry.
In honor of these values, I am excited to announce the launch of the Karsten Madsen Legacy Award, “Quality Through Adversity.” This award will recognize and honor the remarkable contributions of Karsten Madsen, a giant in our field who left us far too soon.
Karsten’s journey began in 1974, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience before rising through the ranks as a welding technologist, QA coordinator, and educator. His 30+ years at Conestoga College molded countless young minds in welding robotics and inspection, inspiring a generation of professionals. Karsten was a mentor to many, advocating for quality and best practices across the industry, while consistently striving for excellence despite life’s challenges.
This award embodies the core values:
Quality: An unwavering dedication to excellence.
Integrity: A commitment to ethical practices.
Karsten, like many of us, understood the profound impact of our roles in the industry, even when it went unrecognized.
My definition of quality encompasses the ethical commitment of those who advocate for excellence through adversity. That’s the people on the floor doing the work. Making the choices…
The purpose of the Karsten Madsen Legacy Award is not only to honor his legacy but also to inspire future generations of welding professionals to lead by example, choosing what is right over what is easy.
As we move forward, let us continue to strive for excellence and keep showing up, just as Karsten always did. Thank you for your dedication, expertise, and passion for your piece in our community.
JEMI
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