Testimonials

"Taking two programs at Loyalist definitely widened my skill set. We deal with a variety of businesses at my current job so having background knowledge of how different types of businesses do their day-to-day operations is an asset. I am glad that I completed the Business program prior to Accounting for that reason. I had a great overall experience at Loyalist and was involved with many aspects of the College. Working in the Fitness Centre, playing varsity volleyball and having a full course load taught me to manage my time and prioritize, ensuring that school always came first. I loved being part of the athletic program. My volleyball team was like a second family to me and I made lasting friendships by playing college sports."
Kayla Kuipers
Business Administration 2010, Accounting 2011
Staff Accountant, Wilkinson and Company

"I feel like I have come full circle with the Junior Iron Chef Competition – first as a competitor from my high school in Cobourg, then as an event planner while a student in the Culinary Management program – and now a coach. It was great to work with this team of high school students, drawing on their ideas, helping develop them and then seeing their pride with the finished results. This has been a terrific experience."
Amy Arthur
Culinary Management 2012
Coach of 2013 St. Theresa Junior Iron Chef team

"The Art and Design Foundation program is great. During the second semester we had the opportunity to really delve into our inner creativity. That freedom, with the guidance of the faculty, has definitely strengthened me as an artist."
Rikki Jukes
Art and Design Foundation 2013

"The Art and Design Foundation program has improved my skills in painting and the use of space – and pushed me to think outside the box, inhibited by fewer reservations. I'm continuing my studies, with the goal of completing a degree in interior design and I believe the 'edgy thinking' I've developed at Loyalist will strengthen me in that pursuit."
Olivia Ste-Marie
Art and Design Foundation 2013

"While I was in high school I was unsure as to what career path would be right for me. I loved math yet longed to be outdoors. Then I learned about the Civil Engineering Technology program at Loyalist. I can have the best of both worlds in this field – on site or in the office, working on structures or on roads, surveying, inspecting or designing. The opportunities are endless!"
Tanya Redden
Civil Engineering Technology 2013

"I chose the Survey Technician program because it would enable me to have a career which combined many of my interests – math, computers and the opportunity to work outdoors. I gained practical experience using equipment and doing fieldwork both at the College and on placement. It worked. I am now a Plan Checker for Focus in Edmonton. I am very excited to be starting my new career."
Rebecca Morris
Survey Technician 2013
Plan Checker – Focus, Edmonton

“I love my job. It’s not like working from a blueprint. Each job is customized and creatively challenging. I’ve learned the importance that attention to detail makes in the finished product and the need to strive for perfection. These are racing bikes, so they must handle well and most importantly be safe. Lives depend upon that. This year CMR’s orders grew to the point that my employer needed to hire more people. I was thrilled to return to campus with him to recruit. It felt great to visit the College. The new Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre is a phenomenal facility for students to learn in.”
Byron Cox
Welding Techniques 2009
Welder, CMR Racing Products Inc.

“My faculty members suggested that I do my work placement with Celebrate the Hero. Then the most exciting thing happened – following my placement they hired me! Now I do what I love and love what I do. Loyalist’s Social Service Worker program is the best. I continue to return to speak to classes and I welcome students on work placements. The program gave me so much and I am committed to staying connected and giving back to it.”
Britini Barton
Social Service Worker 2012
Assistant Director and Programs Manager Celebrate the Hero

"My post-secondary background was in communications and animation. I chose to take Loyalist’s post-grad 3D Video Production program to learn how to bring my animations to life in 3D. It worked. I’m now producing a movie with hand-drawn animation in 2D and S3D with the potential to be formatted for screening on our company’s glasses-free 3D TVs. I’m excited to be part of the next major leap in visual technologies. Loyalist made this possible."
Chris McMahon
Post-Graduate 3D Video Production 2012
Creative Director, iTRIX MEDIA

"My plan was to complete my Masters in online journalism and work in sports communication. It was based on three steps. First was a Bachelors degree in English. I then completed the post-graduate Sports Journalism program at Loyalist, and honed my skills with a professional journalistic style. Next my Masters, and now I have my dream job. Loyalist was invaluable in making this happen."
Kristen Shilton
Post-Graduate Sports Journalism 2011
Communications Assistant, Chicago Wolves – Vancouver Canucks’ American Hockey League affiliate

"My goal is to be an agent or manager for athletes. Loyalist’s Sports and Entertainment Sales and Marketing program is helping me develop skills specific to this field, building upon my post-secondary marketing background. I’m learning to be a serious revenue generator—every employer’s dream. Super highlight—I was selected for a highly coveted internship with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. This experience will definitely bring my résumé to the top when I graduate."
Andrew Peacock
Post-Graduate Sports and Entertainment Sales and Marketing Student

"I studied public affairs and policy management theory at university. Loyalist’s post-grad Public Relations program is showing me how to put that to work. I’m focused—planning, developing, and honing my communication skills. When I graduate this June I’ll be ready—speechwriter, P.R. advisor, researcher, political candidate—the choice will be mine."
Justin Reis
Post-Graduate Public Relations Student

"It was a Loyalist Open House that first brought me to the campus. I lived in Kingston and knew I wanted to become a nurse. When I met and talked with the Nursing faculty at the College I decided Loyalist was where I was going to go. Unlike many degree programs, Loyalist students start doing work placements in their first year of study and continue throughout the program. We are taught the skills of our profession and then have the opportunity to put them into practice which creates an excellent learning environment."
Jordyn Carey
Second-Year Student
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

"High school was a struggle for me and I didn’t do well. I really needed to get my life back on track. My friend told me about Loyalist’s College Prep program and it’s amazing. The faculty has played a major role in my success. Without their support I would not have been able to do this. The fundamental academic and life skills I am learning here are preparing me to pursue a career in fashion and commercial photography. College Prep gets a 100% recommendation from me."
Dylan Bayuz
College Prep Student 2012/13

“I needed to refresh my academic skills before I entered into a two-year program at Loyalist College. The College Prep program was the perfect fit for me – fantastic class schedules and a great team of instructors. I gained confidence and expanded my comfort zones. I continued into the Developmental Services Worker program and graduated in June 2010. Since that time I have been employed at a local agency and work for a second agency as a Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) instructor. College Prep gave me my jumpstart and prompted me to strive for future success.”
Daniel W. Dufoe
College Prep 2008
Developmental Services Worker 2010

“I left high school early and had not been in a classroom for over 20 years. This was a problem – College Prep was the solution. I was able to complete my grade 12 equivalency and strengthen my English and grammar skills. It was such a positive experience, in a very diverse class – all ages, walks of life – led by a team of teachers who were there to answer all of our questions. I’m now in my final year of the Customs Border Services program and I’m confident that this is the right career choice for me. College Prep made this possible.”
Kim Bowman
College Prep 2011
2nd year Customs Border Services student

"As a Loyalist graduate, it feels really great to see current students in the Business Sales and Marketing program so excited about what they are learning and the careers they are preparing for. There are always going to be options in sales and these students are being well trained on how to convey their message in every way – in person, on the phone and in a written format. I enjoyed every moment of my time as a student at Loyalist. It's a great college."
B.J. McLeod
Business Sales and Marketing 2001
Owner and Operator of Quinte Paint and Wallpaper
Member of Business Sales and Marketing Program Advisory Committee

"We sell and market things every day – work, spouse, kids – it's a skill we never regret having. I'm impressed with the dedication of the Loyalist Business Sales and Marketing students. They're eager to learn and willing to take advice and apply it. It's clear that you can attribute a great deal of this enthusiasm to the way they feel about the faculty – experienced, engaging and knowledgeable, with just the right mix of humour. The students look forward to coming to class."

Nicole is responsible for training Abbott Laboratories sales representatives across Canada and works with the Loyalist Business Sales and Marketing program in their role playing exercises.
Nicole Simpson
Nursing 1993
Senior Associate Training Manager, Abbott Laboratories

“As a litigation clerk I worked under the direct supervision of a lawyer. I did such tasks as preparing Affidavit of Documents, and helped legal assistants assemble legal briefs, and prepare and serve legal documents. Now that I am a Licensed Paralegal, I can prepare documents, attend court and give advice relating to Small Claims Court, Provincial Offences, Summary Convictions, the Landlord Tenant Board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and other administrative tribunals established by the federal or provincial governments. I love the fact that each day is different and that Reynolds O’Brien LLP has given me the opportunity to apply all of the things I learned at Loyalist.”

Janet fulfilled one of her work placements with Reynolds O’Brien LLP. During this time she learned that the firm was interested in offering her a position following her graduation. She accepted the offer and began working part time for them until she finished her semester – and then became a full-time litigation clerk with the firm.
Janet VanVolkenburg
Paralegal 2011
Licensed Paralegal, Reynolds O’Brien LLP

“It’s exciting to be part of the mill’s upswing – they’re hiring, experiencing less maintenance down time and producing more paper than we have in five years. I’m part of a great team that meets daily to decide how to deal with the equipment repairs needed and schedule the maintenance. I’m also leading up a new reliability engineering-based maintenance-planning program. Everything I learned at Loyalist applies to this job. The program took me way outside my comfort zone – the professors pushed us hard and taught us how to learn and think outside the box. I’m so glad that I chose Loyalist.”
Dustin Liebau
Manufacturing Engineering Technician 2011
Maintenance Planner – Norampac, Trenton

“The Chef is a very good teacher. His vision and creativity are incredible and he is capable of approaching things from perspectives that most of us would never consider. An example of this was Foodstock. Chef Stadtländer is the President of the Chefs’ Congress of Canada and was the mastermind behind this event. He invited over 100 chefs from across Canada, including Jamie Kennedy and Shawn Adler, to cook with him in the Honeywood countryside using produce from the nearby farms. Over 28,000 people attended the event in support of the movement to stop the Melancthon County Quarry. It was surreal to be a part of this and know that I had contributed to something of this magnitude – for such a good cause. My internship was the perfect conclusion to my Loyalist Culinary program, which was an amazing learning experience. The small class sizes enabled our faculty to connect with us as individuals. I learned exceptional culinary skills and perhaps, most importantly, I grew as a person. I attribute that to our professors who sincerely cared about us as students.”

Emileigh did a seven-month internship at Eigensinn Farms with internationally renowned Chef Michael Stadtländer. Chef Stadtländer’s farm-to-table eatery at Eigensinn in Singhampton has been ranked as one of the top ten restaurants in the world.
Emileigh Kozdas
Culinary Management 2011

“I love the variety, the challenge, and the interesting people I meet. In a small town I make a lot of community connections – it makes me feel like I’m a part of something. It also increases my sense of responsibility because the people's lives I am talking about are part of that community. It's about building relationships. Studying print, radio, TV and online journalism has helped me in my job. I was able to bring TV scripting, shooting, and editing skills to the newsroom, which no one else there had. Two months after I started they bought video editing software so that I could use it for online video for the paper's website. Journalism is changing, and you are expected to be proficient in many areas. You need to be a jack of all trades in some respects – the more you know, the more valuable you are.”
Jennifer Bowman
Journalism – Online, Print and Broadcast 2012
Reporter/Photographer/Videographer Bracebridge Examiner

“Since graduating I have been working in two positions, both in my field – how many people can say they have two great jobs? At one I’m working with youth aged eight to 16 and the other – 16 to 24. This enables me to apply different skill sets that I learned while at Loyalist. Our program gave us a solid foundation in many areas but one thing I think is extremely valuable in our field is a better understanding of mental illness. I felt prepared and confident to enter the field. Each time I see one of my clients make a positive change in their lives – big or small – I know this was the right career choice for me.”
Lucas Shillington
Community and Justice Services Worker 2012
Residential Counsellor, Youth Habilitation Quinte
Child and Youth Worker, Children’s Mental Health Services

“I am from Italy and had decided that I would like to study in Canada. After some extensive online research I chose Loyalist for two primary reasons – the Environmental program they offer and the fact that it is a smaller college. I had never taken classes in English and I knew this challenge would be easier for me if I was studying in smaller class sizes as opposed to being a mere number in classes with hundreds of my peers. The move was scary at first but everyone soon made me feel welcome and at home. The labs are amazing and the faculty so passionate about the field. I have no regrets in my decision – Loyalist was definitely a great choice for me.”
Riccardo Basagni
2nd Year Environmental Student

“University was not part of my initial plan – then I went to Loyalist and I was introduced to so many new things. The faculty was absolutely phenomenal. My co-op placements in Ottawa and Montreal made me aware of all sorts of possibilities. Two years later I graduated on the Dean’s List. I had the confidence and maturity to apply to Carleton University where I received advanced standing because of my diploma and a full scholarship for my first year – and I was able to complete my B.A. in Sociology within three years. Loyalist helped me to grow – personally and academically – and definitely played a role in my success at university.”

Thomas graduated from high school in 2003 – the year of the double cohort. As a grade 12 student he was encouraged by family and teachers to remain in high school for the ‘Victory Lap’ or ‘Super Twelve’. Thomas was not ready to leave Belleville, but he didn’t want to return to high school so after researching his options he enrolled in Customs and Immigration at Loyalist.
Thomas Meletis
Customs and Immigration 2005

"The two years I spent at Loyalist were amazing – my faculty, my classmates, playing varsity soccer. The highlight was when I received my Practical Nursing diploma and saw the pride in my family’s eyes. The transition into the workforce was not a difficult one. My classmates and I worked in the hospitals and nursing homes within the community. We knew the work ethic, knowledge and skills it would take to be successful – we were well prepared. I’ve been working in my field since I graduated and there’s one thing I know for sure, I love being a practical nurse."
Meghan Healey
Practical Nursing 2011
Quinte Health Care (Belleville) and John M. Parrott Centre (Napanee)

“I sincerely believe that if someone is determined to pursue a post-secondary education there are ways to make that happen – each person needs to find the way that works best for them. The time I took to research the scholarships and bursaries available was definitely well spent. One valuable thing I did learn during that process is apply for as many as possible – and never assume that there will be others applying who will be much more qualified. The scholarships and bursaries that I received were key in reducing my OSAP debt – enabling me to repay my student loan within the first three months following my graduation. I’m extremely excited to be starting my career in such a positive way.”
Holly Porter
Biotechnology Technician 2012
Medical Laboratory Technician – LifeLabs

“I graduated from Loyalist with two diplomas and a certificate – I was able to complete them all within four years. After taking the Recreation and Leisure Services program I was given direct entry into the second year of the Accounting program. This saved me a year’s time and tuition costs. The one-year P.R. program was the perfect finishing touch to my four years of study.

All the things that I learned and loved at Loyalist have been rolled into one great job in Tyendinaga. I’m using my rec and leisure, accounting, and public relations skills. It’s funny because sometimes I wondered how I would use all the things that I was learning in class. Now I am definitely using them in my career. I realize how one program built upon the other enabling me gain the skills I needed for this position.”
Mandi Buma
Recreation and Leisure Services 2008
Accounting 2009
Public Relations (PR) post-graduate 2010
Recreation Coordinator, The Corporation of the Township of Tyendinaga

“The faculty is very skilled and one of the things they excel at is recognizing each student's individual skills. They helped us develop and build upon our strengths. The students in the program are all ages and from many walks of life. We studied subjects such as marketing, economics, human resources and accounting – and perhaps most important of all, we developed our soft skills. This helped us to move comfortably within the business world as confident professionals.”
Cindy Rowe
Business Administration 2012

“Taking the Art and Design Foundation program was the best decision of my life. I explored many mediums, studied composition and lighting, and learned to focus on my creative strengths. This program not only helped me to discover what's right for me, but it's also sending me on my way with a solid, professional portfolio – exactly what I need."
Laura Doyle
Media Experience 2011
Art and Design Foundation 2012

“When I graduated from high school I didn’t know what my next step should be. I considered training to become a mechanic and then my brother suggested that I take the General Arts and Science (GAS) program at Loyalist. He had gone that route and highly recommended it. As part of my studies I did a lot of exercises that encouraged me to examine my personality traits and strengths. I am now continuing my studies at the University of Guelph – and the university gave me a six-credit transfer from my Loyalist program which will shorten my studies by one semester. My goal is to become a teacher and I know that the GAS program was instrumental in giving me the confidence to pursue this career.”
Kylee Boicey-MacDonald
General Arts and Science 2012
University of Guelph, Current Student

“When I was growing up in Ottawa I never dreamed that someday I would have the opportunity to actually work for the Ottawa 67’s – here I am! I went to Loyalist directly from high school. The faculty has so much hands-on sales and marketing experience and they shared it all with us. Their guidance, particularly in the role-playing scenarios, gave me the confidence to pursue an internship with the Ottawa Senators. That’s when I knew this was the right niche for me. Now I’m with the 67’s and love working in the field of sports.”
Adam Garonce
Business Sales and Marketing 2009
Fan Relationship Management Team Sales Consultant – Ottawa 67’s

“It was an honour to be recognized by Loyalist College for my hard work in the classroom, as well as my clinical nursing placements over the past two years. Now that I am moving to Brock University, the money will make the transition that much smoother and the financial burden will be much less.”

Nursing student Rebecca Vandertoorn was honoured with a $5,000 scholarship on Thursday, August 30th at Loyalist College where she has completed her first and second years of a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is now entering Brock University where she will complete her third and fourth years of the collaborative program.
Rebecca Vandertoorn
3rd Year Nursing Student

“It had been ten years since I attended college – the thought of returning to the classroom was a little intimidating. As soon as I registered I was contacted by the Student Success Mentors and invited to attend an information session for mature students. I’m so glad that I went. I was able to ask questions, gain a clearer understanding of the wide range of services available at the College and meet others who shared my excitement and nervousness. After attending this session I felt more confident and prepared to return to school. Several in the group were interested in the tutoring services which would enable them to brush up on their math, writing and computer skills. These and other support systems make the transition back into learning much easier for mature students.”
Julia McKay
2nd Year Photojournalism

“I never anticipated the places that a college diploma would take me. After working as a farmer for 12 years I knew it was time for a change. I looked into several environmental programs before deciding on Loyalist. I think the greatest strength of the program is the broad base of courses that are covered throughout the three years – from data analysis to microbiology, field biology and chemistry. Since joining WESA I’ve worked in and around Ontario, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the Northwest Territories. While working in this field I constantly draw on things I learned at Loyalist. I love my new career.”
Michael Lloyd
Environmental Technologist 2010
WESA (Water and Earth Science Associates), Kingston

“I wake up every day and do what I love. Loyalist is the reason for that. Receiving a scholarship helped to get me started in my career. I get so much mileage out of being a Loyalist graduate and I am very proud of that. I had a great time there. I loved every second of it.”

A Loyalist Business Administration graduate, Marc Ray received a scholarship in 1998 for his academic and athletic achievements. It helped to give him the financial leg-up he needed to begin his professional life on the right foot.
Marc Ray
Business Administration 1998
General Manager, Bay of Quinte Golf & Country Club

“As a small, family-oriented College, Loyalist has afforded me opportunities to develop and excel as a volleyball player, which I may not have received elsewhere. I'm originally from Pickering and I learned about the Loyalist Lancers from my high school coach. He recommended the Recreation and Leisure Services program at Loyalist, which I completed, followed by the Business Sales and Marketing program, and then the Public Relations program. It is hard to leave after five years, but receiving the Male Athlete of the Year award is a great way to cap off my studies.”
Matt Woods
Recreation and Leisure Services 2009
Business Sales and Marketing 2011
Public Relations 2012
2012 Male Athlete of the Year

“I knew that my undergrad degree alone would not get me far in the competitive field of international development; although it was a strong starting point. I saw Loyalist’s P.R. program as an opportunity to fine tune my skills. It enabled me to apply the theory of my university degree to the hands-on, practical skills gained through college. Now I’m responsible for helping to provide compelling Canada-wide communications – between leadership and staff, as well as across divisions and regional offices – so employees are more effectively informed and engaged to accomplish World Vision Canada’s goals, objectives and mission. I couldn’t be happier about where I am in my career, the projects I get to work on, and the opportunities I’ve been given to grow.”

Alex is from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and built upon his International Development degree from Dalhousie University by completing the Loyalist Public Relations (P.R.) post-graduate program.
Alex Sancton
Public Relations 2008
Manager, Strategy and Internal Communications – World Vision Canada

"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 2011
Hometown - Abbotsford, BC

“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 2010
Loyalist SIFE Team President 2009/2010
Manager Trainer for Foot Locker Canada

“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 2009
Public Works Manager/ Road Supervisor/Waste Management for Augusta Township

“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 Support Worker 2010
Eden Place, Belleville

“Media has become an intricate web in which the fields overlap, merge and often support each other. In addition to my Meteorologist position 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. The College now has a three-year advanced diploma Journalism program — 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
Meteorologist for CBC-TV, Newfoundland and Labrador

“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
Development Project Coordinator, Engineering Department, Prince Edward County

“I work 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. 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.”
Chantal Elliott
Architectural Technology 2008
Junior Draftsperson at Gordon Tobey Developments Ltd.

“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
National Director of Team Training for Goodlife Fitness

“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. 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.”
Deirdre Wood
Chemical Engineering Technician 2008
Chemical Engineering Technologist 2009

"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 were 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 was definitely worth it. In June 2008 I graduated with my diploma as a Civil Engineering Technician and returned for my third year to obtain 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.”
Joseph Reid
Civil Engineering Technician 2008
Civil Engineering Technology 2009
Supervisor of Road Services, Belleville

"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
Vance Lester Photography

"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. 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."

Don’s most recent major projects include The Underclass and Its Bosses: Crime & Punishment in Ukraine, which won the Lange-Taylor Documentary Prize; Bastard Eden, Our Chernobyl, which won the photolucida Book Award; The Drunken Bride, Russia Unveiled, completed with a Guggenheim Fellowship; Opera of Power, which won a Canada Council Fellowship; and his latest book, Interrogations, about post-Soviet authority in Ukraine and Russia, released by Schilt Publishers, winter 2012.

His work has appeared in numerous international publications including Amica, Der Speigel, The Guardian, Newsweek, New York Times, New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, Stern, Time and The Walrus. He has worked with the NGO’s Medecins sans Frontieres, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and War Child. Weber’s photography projects have been exhibited at festivals and galleries worldwide including the United Nations, Museum of the Army at Les Invalides in Paris, the Portland Museum of Art and the Alice Austen House Museum in New York. Other major awards include the Duke and Duchess of York Photography Prize, two World Press Photo awards, PDN’s 30 and was named an Emerging Photo Pioneer by American Photo.

Currently Don is working on his next project, The Drowned City, which explores the City inundated by its technological future. He is a member of the acclaimed VII Photo Agency.
Donald Weber
Photojournalism 2001

"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 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.
Ashley Rutherford
Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2005
Public Health Nurse, Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit

"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 initial position as Key Accounts Manager at Canarm Ltd."
Courtney Cooper
Business Sales and Marketing 2006
National Sales Manager, Canarm Ltd.

"I really feel that the Loyalist faculty works 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

"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

"Loyalist gave me the foundation I needed to work in this industry. The internship program was what actually gave me my break. I interned at an affiliate of Partners Film in my second year and did my third-year internship with Partners Film. They hired me three weeks into my two-month internship as a staff Production Assistant which was a position they created for me. I went out on all the commercial shoots – and when there weren’t any jobs going on I worked out of the office preparing upcoming jobs. 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
Media Marketing Advisor at Harvard Broadcasting – Mix 103.7, Alberta

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