Andrew Hibbitts’ selflessness lands him 2024 Community Service Award
By Chad Harnett
When it comes to building stronger, more inclusive communities, Andrew Hibbitts is leading the way. His commitment to service, advocacy and positive change has earned him College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) highest honour for community impact.
“It was very flattering to win this award — I am so surprised,” said Hibbitts. “I want to give a shoutout to all the amazing groups and individuals I work with. I really am grateful for all the wonderful people who help make these positive changes in our communities.”
Andrew Hibbitts is the 2024 recipient of CNA’s Alumni Acclaim Community Service Award. This award recognizes the impact an alumnus has made on their community through volunteer work.
“Andrew has dedicated his life to strengthening community,” said Heidi Staeben-Simmons, Associate Vice-President of Public Affairs and Advancement at CNA. “From preserving heritage and supporting healthcare to his leadership in 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy, Andrew has been a driving force for inclusion and positive change.”
Hibbitts is chair of the Bay St. George Pride Committee, where he works to support the 2SLGBTQ+ community and foster an inclusive, welcoming environment in the region. He is also actively involved with the Long Range Small Business Committee, Tourism Southwest, the Community Education Network and the Our Lady of Mercy Complex Committee.
In addition to his volunteering, he works as the economic development officer with Horizon TNL, Newfoundland and Labrador’s bilingual economic development organization. At Horizon TNL, he advocates for tourism, immigration, entrepreneurship and employability — all of which contribute to the province’s economic growth and cultural vibrancy.
Despite being flattered by the win, Hibbitts says he and others who have helped him do what they, do not for accolades, but to help those around them.
“I want to say that anything I have been proud of, any project I have done, even winning this award, is a testament to the groups I am involved in,” he said. “None of us do this for the awards. We do it because we want to see positive change in our communities.”
Hibbitts said he started volunteering as early as high school, but it was during his time at CNA that he truly found his appreciation for volunteer work.
Only 17 years old when he started at the college, he soon joined the student representative council, and shortly after, got involved in an entrepreneurial group. Through that group, he delivered educational projects in entrepreneurship and financial literacy to people in the community to help bolster their skills.
Hibbitts’s academic background is just as remarkable. He holds two diplomas from CNA — one in Business Administration (Marketing) and another in Human Resource Management. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies from Cape Breton University. On top of that, he has earned certificates in Indigenous studies and economic development, and he is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree from Athabasca University.
Committing to ongoing education, maintaining a demanding career, and volunteering extensively is undoubtedly a tremendous amount of work. Hibbitts said he finds his motivation in knowing he and others are making a difference.
“What motivates me in doing community and volunteer work is strengthening the overall growth of our community,” said Hibbitts proudly. “We are doing this because we want to see our communities thrive, marginalized communities supported, and heritage structures revitalized for generations to come. We want to see our tourism blossom. We want to see growth and development.”
Even when recognized for his tireless efforts, Hibbitts demonstrated true selflessness, giving praise to others who have helped him along the way.
“I think any work that I have done that has been successful has really been because of the great community I am working with, the great organizations and the great individuals on the ground,” he said.
“Whenever we have success, it is really a feather in all our hats.”
Nominations for the 2025 Alumni Acclaim Awards are now open. Visit www.cna.nl.ca/AlumniAwards to nominate a CNA graduate today.
