Loyalist College proudly announces business leader and philanthropist Catharine Huff as the 2026 recipient of the Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to industry and community.
Catharine will receive the award at the college’s 59th annual Convocation ceremonies, taking place June 9 – 12, 2026.
Born and raised in Prince Edward County, Catharine graduated from Loyalist’s Business Administration program in 1982 at the age of 40. Her time at Loyalist marked the beginning of a lasting family connection to the college: her late son, Peter Huff, began his Accounting studies as she completed her diploma, and seven years later, her daughter, Janine Huff, graduated from Loyalist’s Nursing program.
Following her graduation, Catharine established Anetec Inc., building a strong regional presence in advanced manufacturing through the production of medical-grade tubing. The company later merged with her husband Lanny Huff’s firm, GlobalMed, which was sold in 2022. In 2004, the Huffs established Huff Estates Winery, one of Prince Edward County’s earliest and most enduringly popular wineries, expanding their industry leadership into hospitality and tourism.
“I am honoured to have been chosen for this award because Loyalist College has meant so much to me and my family,” says Catharine. “My time at Loyalist gave me the tools I needed to build a successful business career which, in turn, made it possible for me to focus on building my community. Loyalist continues to play that role today for the thousands of graduates who came after me. To be recognized with this award is to recognize that Loyalist grads make a difference, and I am proud to be counted among them.”
Catharine has channeled her business success into significant philanthropic support for education, health care and community development in the Bay of Quinte region. Through personal and corporate giving, the Huff family has contributed more than $2 million to Loyalist College, supporting the construction of state-of-the-art learning facilities, including The Peter F. Huff Automotive Centre and The Janine Huff Nursing Simulation Lab. In addition, the Huff family’s endowed fund of more than $1 million provides annual financial support to students through bursaries and awards. From 2010 to 2019, Catharine also served on the Board of Directors for The Loyalist College Foundation, contributing her expertise and experience to support college advancement.
“For more than four decades, Catharine Huff has maintained a deep and active connection to Loyalist — first as a student, alumna, and parent, and later, as a business leader, donor and advocate who has consistently championed the college and its students,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “We are proud to recognize the impact she continues to have on this institution and our region.”
The Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award was established by the Loyalist College Board of Governors in 1998 in recognition of Mr. O’Neil’s leadership as Chair of the college’s Foundations for the New Millennium Campaign. Recipients are approved each year by the Board of Governors before presentation at Convocation.
For more information about Loyalist’s Convocation ceremonies, visit loyalistcollege.com/convocation.
