2012 Nicole Chuchmach, B.Comm ’02 and MBA ’07

Nicole Chuchmach (B.Comm ’02 and MBA ’07) is an accomplished hospitality and tourism professional and philanthropic champion for colorectal cancer awareness and research.

After graduation from The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Guelph in 2002, Ms. Chuchmach began her career as a sales representative with Gordon Food Services.

At the age of 27, Ms. Chuchmach’s mother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and she decided to put her professional life on hold to care for her mother. During this time Ms. Chuchmach also decided to pursue an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management. During her first week of school her mother passed away, but Ms. Chuchmach continued and even received a scholarship based on academic achievement.

While her mother was sick, Ms. Chuchmach took up running as an outlet. Inspired by her mother’s strength, Ms. Chuchmach decided to launch Sophie’s Run — an eight-week run from Milton, Ontario, to New York City, designed to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer. The event raised donations of close to $200,000 for the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada.

Recognizing her inspirational story, the University of Guelph invited Ms. Chuchmach to speak at the Chancellor’s Welcome for first-year-students during Orientation Week in 2009, where she delivered a moving and encouraging address.

Ms. Chuchmach taught a distance education course for two semesters at the University of Guelph and is currently teaching at Humber College’s School of Hospitality, Recreation and Tourism. Before joining Humber College, Ms. Chuchmach worked at Gordon Food Services as a Project Manager to assist in developing a new business sector.

Raising awareness about colorectal cancer and sharing her mother’s story remains important to Ms. Chuchmach. She is currently writing a book of personal journals in the hopes that her story will help other young adults heal through a loss in their lives.  

It is with great pleasure that the University of Guelph Alumni Association names Nicole Chuchmach as the recipient of the 2012 Alumni Medal of Achievement.