Testimonials

"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
entered Fast-Track Photojournalism program in
June 2006 – will graduate from Photojournalism Program in June 2007

"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 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

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

"If someone’s interests include both design and the technological aspects of architecture then I would definitely recommend Loyalist," said Mark Baechler, a 1999 graduate of the College’s Architectural Technology program. Following his graduation from Loyalist, Mark completed his Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Carleton University. He is currently enrolled in the Masters of Architecture program and will graduate in 2006. With his Loyalist diploma he was given credit for four elective courses in his undergraduate degree, as well as advanced standing in two of his five technology courses at Carleton.

"I gained a solid foundation of architectural knowledge at Loyalist before I entered university which really helped. I also sat on the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO) board as student representative," added Mark. "Studying at Loyalist allowed me time to mature and gain some life experience before attending Carleton."
Mark Baechler
Architectural Technology 1999

"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

"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

"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-Food Technician/Technology 2006

"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

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

"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

"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

"I was able to complete my program a week early because I was offered a position with the Belleville Police Department. It was exciting to know that there wouldn’t be any ‘pounding the pavement’ looking for a job following graduation – I already had one. I moved to Canada from Uruguay only five years before I started the program at Loyalist. Not only did I learn essential policing skills, I also improved my English skills and my understanding of Canadian society. I really liked my program. The instructors were great and the small class sizes were perfect for one-on-one. I’m very excited to be starting my new career."
Michael Ferreira
Police Foundations 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

"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

"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

"I had come to the realization that I needed to make a change in my life. I had dropped out of high school and after five years knew that I needed to get an education and find a career. I chose Loyalist because Belleville is known for its strong manufacturing sector and I wanted to immerse myself in that environment. My professor, John Poste, encouraged me and showed me I was capable of successfully completing not only my Mechanical Techniques certificate but also my diploma in Manufacturing Engineering. This opened up a whole new world to me. Following graduation, the first resume I handed out resulted in the job that I have today – as a CNC Machinist at The Ottawa Hospital. Attending Loyalist was definitely a life-changing experience for me."
Lyndon Andrews
Mechanical Techniques 2005 and Manufacturing Engineering 2006

"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

"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

"I entered the upgrading program because I wanted a fast track to grade 12 equivalency; however, once I was in the College setting, my goal changed. I continued on and took Environmental Technology. I believe that it is very important for mature students to refresh and upgrade basic skills before entering college to help them handle the workload."
Sherry Zebedee
Environmental Technician 1999 - 2000

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