Testimonials

"I looked at other colleges and universities — Loyalist is the perfect size for me. The faculty are always smiling and take time to listen. Even our business courses are aligned with the spa industry. I love it here."
Allison Wendel
1st Year Esthetics
Esthetics and Spa Management

"When a friend told me about Loyalist’s Photojournalism program I went online to investigate, talked to some industry professionals and learned that this is the best program in Canada. Our professors are completely invested in our success and it is a great privilege to be learning from such respected photojournalists. I’m learning to be a better storyteller through pictures and words, capturing images that communicate a story in a powerful way. Even though I am far from my family and friends, I’ve met a lot of great people who have made Belleville feel like my home away from home."
Shannon Storey
Photojournalism
Hometown - Abbotsford, BC

“I enrolled at Loyalist with a specific goal. The goal was to complete my three-year advanced diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and obtain a position working for a municipality or township. I graduated in May 2009 and on June 1st was employed as Public Works Manager and Roads Superintendent for Augusta Township in the Prescott area. It feels great to have realized my goal. "There is never a time that I feel stuck in a set routine so my job is both interesting and challenging – and for that I thank Loyalist. I would never have been hired for this position without the training I received there.”
Kevin Hart
Civil Engineering Technician/Technology
Public Works Manager and Roads Superintendent, Augusta Township

“Juggling basketball, my studies and a job, I’ve learned that it is essential for me to manage my time wisely. My leadership role as captain of the team has helped me gain more confidence in my skills and that has had a positive impact on my role at work and within my program. The support of everyone in the Athletics Department is amazing – they are definitely there for all of us. Being a Lancer makes me feel a strong bond with the College. I know that my sense of pride as a Loyalist student is greater because of this.”
Trevor Mayer
3rd Year Child and Youth Worker

“Returning to school as a mature student was a huge challenge and it feels great to now be a college graduate. While in the program I did a work placement at Eden Place in Belleville. Not only did it build my confidence and make me realize this was a place that I would really like to work, it gave them the opportunity to see what I was capable of. I now work there fulltime and love it. It’s a retirement home and working with the clients in this environment is wonderful. I’m so glad that I returned to school because I would not be in this position today without my PSW certificate from Loyalist.”
Sherry Marshall
Personal Suport Worker 2010
Eden Place, Belleville

“The [Loyalist Pilot Compost Program] showed great potential within a very short length of time. Our initial goal was to get the composting program in operation. It became more exciting as we watched it gain momentum and succeed. The merit of the program was evident and we sincerely hope that future students will become involved and work to minimize the College’s eco footprint.”
Jordan Wright
Environmental Technician/Technologist

“When I initially entered the Esthetician program at the College I was surprised and intrigued by the strong business component – the new title reflects the program content more accurately than the original one. It was the combination of the esthetics skills and business training that enabled me to be doing what I am now – successfully living my life-long dream of owning and operating my own business. At Loyalist I learned how to write a business plan, create a budget, order inventory, and advertise – all skills I have used in my business in addition to esthetics.”
Laura Lupenette
Esthetics and Spa Management
Owner, Derma-glo Day Spa, Rosmore

“Our team’s performance in Calgary is one of the greatest accomplishments and memories of my Loyalist experience. When our team stepped up to the challenge at this national competition level, applying every leadership and presentation skill we possessed, it was a pure adrenalin rush. I have played on many sports teams but this was my first experience of competing with an academic team. I have learned so much from each team member. We pushed our personal limits and raised the bar for ourselves. I know that I am a better person for this experience.”
Robert Huddleston
Business
Loyalist SIFE Team President 2009/2010

"In March I attended a conference organized by Global Vision where I had the opportunity to meet other student government members, and student group members from high schools, colleges and universities. We met numerous political assistants and directors, and the Canadian Consultant for the World Food Program. At the conclusion of the conference we were asked to apply for the next step by explaining how we would represent Canada. My speech included accomplishments that I have realized, individuals who have helped me achieve those goals, and my vision for Canada. I was deeply honoured when I learned that I had been chosen to represent the Ottawa Region and advance to the National Youth Caucus in Ottawa." "I have no doubt that the experience I gained while working with the members of the Board of Governors at the College helped me to conduct myself with confidence during the conference. I sincerely appreciate that. The challenges of my program made me adaptable and focused, enabling me to be comfortable in an environment surrounded by strangers. The time I have spent at Loyalist has definitely made me stronger."
Jake Van Rooy
Accounting
Student Representative, Loyalist Board of Governors 2009/2010

“It was a pretty fantastic feeling to receive two awards. The Typographical Union Award holds special meaning because the faculty chose the recipient – by being selected I feel they support the work that I’m doing. These awards are an enormous help to me financially. Our photography equipment is very costly. Now I can get a jump start on what I will need to begin my career.”
Melissa Tait
Photojournalism 2010

“Media has become an intricate web in which the fields overlap, merge and often support each other. My position is the weather specialist, yet I also do a daily blog and weekly radio spots to heighten awareness and keep people engaged. You have to be able to adapt to each situation. This fall the College launched the Journalism three-year advanced diploma — combining Online, Print and Broadcast Journalism. That’s a great direction to move in. You don’t often have the luxury of saying ‘this is what I do’ anymore. If you can step in and comfortably assume a role not normally filled by you — helping your co-workers stay on track — it will be noticed...”
Ryan Snoddon
Broadcast Journalism 2004
Weather Specialist for CBC-TV, Newfoundland and Labrador

“When I talk about college to students, I like to share my life story, my experiences and how Loyalist helped me. This allows me to relate to the students and make what I am sharing more personal. I tell them that Loyalist is a small college that provides an excellent student-to-teacher ratio. The services there are exceptionally helpful too. Without the Aboriginal Resource Centre, I believe that I would truly have felt lost and alone. This support system definitely helped make my experience an enjoyable one.”
Waukomaun Pawis
Television and New Media Production

“We live in a diverse community and it is to everyone’s benefit to have a greater awareness of cultures other than their own. One of the courses we are taking in our program this semester is Culture and Diversity — Out of Your Comfort Zone. I decided that the festival would be a good way to learn more about aboriginal culture and I’m really glad that I came. There is so much to do and see here.”
Jillian Higgins
Third-year Child and Youth Worker

“The pace in a college classroom is much faster than in high school — maybe because the students have such a range of life experience. The College success services can help level the playing field in areas we might need some additional assistance. I’m looking for a part-time job — like many students I don’t have a car so learning there were many employment positions available on campus was great.”
Justin Cherrier
First-year Fitness and Health Promotion

“I am currently working in Brighton with Gordon Tobey Developments Ltd. We are a design build company whose focus is residential retirement homes that are built to R-2000 standards. From time to time I go out on-site and help our framing crew with the building or whatever they might need. It gives me an opportunity to see how things are completed and not just work on drawings. I think the most exciting thing I have done is to lay out one of our houses on the foundation. I think the Architectural program’s greatest strength is the fact that we learn to do an entire set of drawings. Understanding how much work goes into them has helped me to realize what is needed for a structure, small or large. Third year was my favourite. We worked on our own designs and figured out how it should all work and fit together. It was a great learning experience. Our teachers were there when we needed them but they wanted us to try and do our best to understand and find information on our own. My dream is to work in Dubai. There are so many different and new building designs happening there.”
Chantal Elliott
Architectural Technology 2008
Junior Draftsperson at Gordon Tobey Developments Ltd.

“I maintain most of the databases in regard to motor vehicle accidents, using Global Positioning System or GPS for mapping – things like the 911 numbers used for civic addresses – and I have some surveying responsibilities. I was a mature student when I came to Loyalist and was determined to prove myself. I feel that I did that. I enjoyed the challenge of my program and the support of the faculty. Opportunities to use systems like the College’s permanent reference station helped me realize the importance that efficiency can play in cost savings – not only in time saved, but also in the accuracy of the work completed. This skill is important to me and the work that I do.”
Preston Parkinson
Civil Engineering Technology 2008
Currently employed by Prince Edward County

“When I was deciding where I would attend college I attended the Loyalist Open House. I loved the area, the faculty and the program description. Also the cost of living was much lower in Belleville than in the Greater Toronto Area. I moved here from Stouffville and found myself in a friendly, laid-back atmosphere where everyone was more than willing to help me out. My favourite part of the program was that we were in the labs at least three times a week – the professors had so much practical experience that they are able to share with us. This year I had the opportunity to do a placement in Newmarket at Cooper Plating, which is an electroplating shop where I tested wastewater for trace elements. I am planning to return for my third year so I will have my advanced Chemical Engineering Technologist diploma.”
Deirdre Wood
Chemical Engineering Technician 2008

“As a varsity athlete the impact on my approach to academics and the college experience as a whole was enhanced. From the social support network, to the transferable life skills we acquire while competing at this level, it was all a positive experience for me. When participating in the Lancer program, there is a true sense of belonging, where friendships grow, experiences are shared, and you learn how to win and how to lose. I believe that the success I have had in my career has been influenced by the life skills I learned while playing sports and competing. The program at Loyalist has depth in it’s coaching and support staff – my experience was tremendous and I would not change a thing.”
Kim Lavender
Recreation Leadership 1991, Loyalist College Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2008, Regional Supervisor – Group Exercise Regional Managers, GoodLi

"The atmosphere here makes you really excited about what you are learning. The Spa is lovely — beautiful and clean. I hope to own my own spa some day so it is wonderful to be learning in this environment." Krista Fletcher came from Sutton, Ontario to take the Esthetics program.
Krista Fletcher
1st Year Esthetics

“There are so many resources at the Getting Connected Fair that students will find worthwhile during their time at Loyalist. You don’t just learn about the College. You also discover things about the community that make living here much easier — especially first-year students who are away from home for the first time. Last year when I came to the fair I found out that there were many part-time jobs right here on campus. These jobs are fabulous. I worked in the International Centre, the Student Success Centre and with the School of Media Studies. These positions were much more than just the obvious pay cheque. They heightened my awareness of how the different College departments interact with each other and the access that students have to so many things here. This has been very helpful to me as a student. Perhaps, most importantly, these positions broadened my sense of community within the College and gave me a strong sense of belonging.”
Carissa Cosgrove
Print Journalism (2nd Year)

"I started working for the City of Belleville as soon as I graduated from high school. After working there for a few years I realized that my opportunities for advancement would be much greater if I completed more formal education. I researched the programs that applied to the type of work I was doing and enrolled in the Civil Engineering program at Loyalist College. There have been challenges as I continued to work full-time while attending college, working nights so I could attend classes during the day, using my vacation time for the same purpose, but it has definitely been worth it. In June 2008 I graduated with my diploma as a Civil Engineering Technician and I’m now in my third year working toward an advanced diploma in Civil Engineering Technology. The faculty is knowledgeable and supportive — they understand the different needs of the students. I have advanced to the position of Supervisor of Road Services with the city and it is exciting to look ahead and imagine the opportunities my career holds for me. I find this work very rewarding because you can see the results of what you do — new buildings, new roads. I’m a firm believer that if there’s a will, there’s a way and that a person shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help if they need it. I am so glad that I am doing this. It makes me much more confident knowing that I am prepared for future advancement opportunities that will come my way."
Joseph Reid
Civil Engineering Technician 2008

In the spring of 2005 Jenna Cescolini graduated from Loyalist with diplomas in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Culinary Management and her certificate in Chef Training. Jenna chose to come from King City, north of Toronto, to Loyalist because it was a small college. The appeal of smaller class sizes and being known as an individual appealed to her. This choice resulted in her having a career opportunity that is the envy of aspiring chefs throughout Canada, a six-month apprenticeship with one of Canada’s premier chefs, Michael Stadtlander.

"I feel that I was prepared for this because of everything that I learned at Loyalist. My teachers were amazing. They went beyond teaching and really cared about their students. They made you want to learn. My ultimate career goal is to be a chef at the Marriott Marquis in Time Square, New York City. I feel confident that all these experiences will help to make that dream a reality."
Jenna Cescolini
Hotel and Restaurant Management, Culinary Management, and Chef Training Certificate, 2005

"The school atmosphere at Loyalist is really unique. It’s nice to walk down the hall and see familiar faces. The small classroom sizes allow you to interact with your professors and classmates. It also makes it possible to get assistance and share ideas freely. The professors made the course material interesting and were always willing to go the extra mile. The role-plays and community involvement were great program strengths as they gave us hands-on experience in our chosen field. My Loyalist diploma was definitely a determining factor in me being hired in my current position as Key Accounts Manager at Canarm Ltd."
Courtney Cooper
Business Sales and Marketing 2006

"The students in my class were thrilled to learn that Loyalist had made the decision to add the third year Biotechnology program. Many of us as students had written letters to the Board of Governors expressing our interest in a biotechnology program that would encompass a wide range of areas in the bioscience field, giving us more diversity and options as graduates. While on my work placement in second year, the employer encouraged me to continue on to my third year of study and obtain my technologist designation. I was told that they value third-year technologists and the additional hands-on training that they brought with them as employees. I knew that by completing this program my independence and job opportunities would be much greater."
Natalie Pye
Biotechnology Technician and Bio

"I really feel that the Loyalist faculty is working with the community to stay current with the needs of business and industry - especially with projects like the CO2 Extraction Lab. When you see your professors who have their Masters and PhDs so excited about opportunities like this that they spend hours of their personal time making these projects happen, you know that you are involved with something amazing. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with professors who are so passionate about teaching and so committed to their students."
Chad Duff
Environmental Technology 2006

"Above finding this program challenging and rewarding, I can honestly say that the teachers played a big part in making each day interesting and created an enjoyable atmosphere to work in."

When I first came to Loyalist College I was very nervous. Being out of school for several years and having to maintain a 70% average to be accepted into the 3rd year seemed intimidating and overwhelming. However, looking back on things now, I am proud to say that I have been very successful in achieving my educational goals, and a great deal of credit must be given to the teachers. The way they presented themselves, and always going the extra mile, was certainly not what I expected at a college level facility. I know they cared a great deal about our success, giving out their home phone numbers to the class before tests in case of needed assistance, helping with problems which were not in classes they taught, the list goes on and on. The point I am trying to make, is that they were going above and beyond their required duties on a regular basis. Now I have career related goals set for myself, and if they too become reality, I will have to give these teachers credit for that as well.

"In closing, I would just like to say that the three years I spent with these professors were a pleasure, and I am proud to be a graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology program at Loyalist College."
Shawn Young
Civil Engineering Technology 2004

Robert Field enrolled at Loyalist following 27 years with the Canadian Forces. "Initially I was a little apprehensive about returning to school and my ability to learn and retain information," Robert said. "I chose Loyalist because of its proximity to Trenton and its reputation as an excellent academic institution with a small student body, able to provide all the academic services and assistance of its larger counterparts. I have found the experience to be very positive. Education is lifelong learning and I would definitely recommend Loyalist." Robert was awarded a Millennium Excellence Award this year and received an Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) All Academic Award last season as a member of the varsity cross-country team who achieved Loyalist’s Dean’s List status.
Robert Field
Business 2006

"I wouldn’t have been able to handle the stress of the program without meeting with someone from the student success team. It was important for me to have these services to be successful in my program. The staff is awesome, easy to talk to, approachable, they are always there to listen and help you out. It was knowing that I would have this support that was a deciding factor in choosing Loyalist. I feel very positive about Loyalist College. They recognize that everyone is an individual and they respect each person’s separate learning styles. This approach is found throughout the College. If I were to describe my post-secondary experience at Loyalist in one word it would have to be ‘empowering’!"
Sherry Minogue
Social Service Worker 2006

"The highlight of my two years of playing varsity basketball at Loyalist was definitely during my first year when we came first in the Eastern Region – but as a whole package, it’s been the people I’ve met, the coaching staff, the road trips and the challenge of this level of competition. Being part of the team definitely helped ease my transition from high school to college. You get to meet students from all different programs, not just as teammates, but those that come to the games to cheer us on. I feel very honoured to receive the Male Athlete of the Year award. It’s going to be hard to leave, but I’ll be back to participate in any way that I can. Loyalist will continue to be part of who I am for many years to come."
Owen White
Correctional Worker 2006
2006 Male Athlete of the Year

"I had worked as a Personal Support Worker in the community for nine years. Whenever I saw a nurse changing dressings or things of that nature I became envious and wished that I could do that – but didn’t know if I could handle returning to school. Finally I just decided that this is what I wanted and I had to try. Loyalist prepared me very well to work as an RPN. My favourite part of the program was the clinical rotations because they provided hands-on experience in a workplace setting. If I had to describe my Loyalist experience in one word it would have to be ‘memorable’. I met a lot of new and wonderful friends along the way and the professors were great. I’m so glad I took the chance and went back to school. I wish I had done it sooner!"
Sharon Hamilton
Pratical Nursing 2006

Ashley Rutherford graduated in the spring of 2005 as a member of the first class to complete the Brock University/Loyalist College Collaborative Baccalaureate program. She completed her Bachelor in Nursing Science with first class honours.

"The Loyalist faculty was awesome and always had an open-door policy for students. I think because it is a small-town community we were more connected with our professors. Perhaps that made our transition to the larger university setting easier to cope with. I can’t tell you how much it meant when we crossed the stage to receive our degrees at Brock University and heard the swell of applause and cheers that filled the air. There, right up front, were our Loyalist professors. It was perfect to have them there to share our day."
Ashley Rutherford
Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2005

Recreation and Leisure Services graduate Dominique Dawes worked in a five-week placement last fall that she credits with helping to determine the career direction she is planning.

"My placement was with the Athletics Department at Loyalist," said Dominique. "I’m really proud of Loyalist, my program and being a student here. It was exciting to take the things that I have learned, and give something back to the College. Now I know that recreation is the focus I plan to pursue rather than the fitness stream. The athletics department gave me 100% of their support and made it an excellent learning opportunity for me."
Dominique Dawes
Recreation and Leisure Services 2006
2006 Female Athlete of the Year

"After I had worked for many years, an injury forced me to return to school. In the Prep program, I not only reviewed and learned academic subjects, but I also developed the study habits I needed for dealing with my college program. I knew I would face difficult challenges in architectural engineering, but the access program helped me prepare for them."
Greg Gibson
Residential Drafting and Design 2001
Architectural Technician 2002

"Based on the class tour to visit area dealers during my first year, I felt that employers were very positive about graduates of the Motive Power Fundamentals Program. This encouraged me as a student who would be looking for employment in a short length of time."

"I was really glad when Loyalist decided to offer year two of the program. This meant that I could return to Loyalist to complete my diploma – instead of having to move to another city and start at a new college."
Nathan Scaife
Motive Power Technician 2006

"The instructors I had were all very knowledgeable and passionate about their trades. That made it easier to absorb the content because the environment was open and energetic. I strongly recommend the Mechanical Techniques program to anyone looking to get into the trades. I feel it is ‘the course’ to get you started in the trades!"
Casey Ruttan
Mechanical Techniques 2005
Currently employed at Systems Service Inc. in Belleville as a Fluid Power Technician

"Loyalist gave me the foundation I needed to work in this industry. I am working with Partners Film Company. The internship program was what actually gave me my break with this amazing company. I interned at an affiliate of their’s in my second year and did my internship here for my third year. They hired me three weeks into my two-month internship. I was hired as a staff Production Assistant which was a position they created for me. I get to go out on all the commercial shoots – and when there aren’t any jobs going on I work out of the office preparing upcoming jobs. I am currently working as the Assistant Producer for my very first time on a commercial – which I’m really excited about. I feel the greatest strength of Loyalist’s Television and New Media Production program is the hands-on experience with professors who know what they’re talking about."
Cat Nolte
Television and New Media Production 2006

"I make 100% of my living as a freelance photographer, shooting for international editorial clients like the New York Times, Newsweek, Time, Rolling Stone, Maclean’s and the Globe and Mail. I am currently based in Toronto but will be moving to Kiev/Moscow in the fall. Taking the Photojournalism program at Loyalist gave me time for thought and the opportunity to bounce ideas off of the staff. Through the program I was introduced to professionals in the business who make it happen, and was allowed a sense of freedom and creativity to be the photographer that I wanted to be. It gave me the time to think about and clarify my goals and I learned how to go about doing what I wanted to do. It is as wonderful to pursue my craft as I always dreamed it would be."

Donald was the recipient of the Lange-Taylor Documentary Prize and an Honourable Mention - World Press Photo.
He has received several other awards and had a slide show at Recontres des Arles, a noted and highly recognized photography festival in France.
Donald Weber
Photojournalism 2001

"I had my Psychology Degree from the University of P.E.I. but was having problems finding work because I had no practical experience."

"Within the first month of my placement in Loyalist’s Accelerated Social Service Worker program, I was able to job out as I was offered employment at the Prince Edward County Children’s Aid. The professors worked with me so that I could complete my credits while working full time. This combination worked really well for me. The placement helped me get a job and I now have my diploma in addition to my degree."
Yvonne Haskin
Accelerated Social Service Worker 2004

"Loyalist is the best! I initially learned about the program through word of mouth from students and graduates of the College. I didn’t know anyone when I moved here from Saskatoon, but everyone here is so helpful and friendly that I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. Without a doubt, my favourite part of the program is the faculty – they really make the program. Down-to-earth and easy to approach, they make it fun, yet give it to you straight, always pushing you forward. The program is tied closely to industry, giving us exposure to professionals working in the field who critique our work and offer objective suggestions for improvement."
Vance Lester
Photojournalism 2007

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