Bancroft, Ontario, October 2, 2014 – Loyalist College proudly awarded 66 diplomas and certificates to 60 graduates at the 15th Annual Bancroft Campus Graduation Ceremony on October 2.
Loyalist College President and CEO Maureen Piercy congratulated the graduates. “Many of those graduating this afternoon have held full or part-time jobs and maintained a household during their studies. Balancing these schedules and responsibilities is a huge challenge, and I know these graduates’ families are as proud of them as we are. The sacrifices and support of families and friends reflect the importance and value that this community places on education, lifelong learning and career development. The future holds new and exciting career opportunities – many in fields we can’t even imagine today! We know that the vast majority of tomorrow’s jobs will require a post-secondary credential. While your decision to continue learning may have been motivated by personal reasons – to enhance your life, and that of your family – it is important to remember that your new skills and credentials will also enrich your communities and the organizations and individuals with whom you work. You are enhancing quality of life for all of us!”
During the ceremony, graduates received post-secondary credentials in the following programs:
- Ontario College Diplomas in Developmental Services Worker, Early Childhood Education, Office Administration, Office Administration – Medical, and Social Service Worker
- Ontario College Certificates in Food Service Worker, Personal Support Worker and Personal Support Worker Bridging
- Loyalist College Certificates in Health Records Clerk, Hospital Ward Clerk and Office Assistant
Mr. Jim Whiteway, Dean of the Bancroft Campus introduced Valedictorian Mrs. Deanna Neale, a graduate of the Personal Support Worker – Tweed program. Mrs. Neale was also the recipient of the Herbert L. Esford Award recognizing outstanding compassionate care and empathy.
“Deanna is kind, patient and made a special effort to improve the quality of life of a home-care client,” said Cindy Munn, program instructor. “This made things much easier for the caregiver and the Red Cross worker to perform the care that was needed.”
The Vance Motors Business Management Award was presented to Amy Hood, Office Administration. The Kawartha Credit Union Bursary recipients included Erica Barlow and Sonja Piercey, both from the Personal Support Worker – Amherstview program.
Guest Speaker Dr. Hugh Russell, Community Justice Consultant, concluded his address to the graduates by saying, “Celebrate how far you have come and then, renew your courage, your curiosity, your commitment to learning more, and more, and more. We, the community, thank you for helping not only you and your family, but all of us, as we go forth together to make life as rich, healthy, safe, and rewarding as possible for everyone.”
Loyalist College Bancroft Campus is a vibrant and busy satellite campus of Loyalist College in Belleville. The College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs include certificates and diplomas. Since 1967, the Bancroft Campus has been a leader in developing and implementing education and training programs to Bancroft and the surrounding areas. It has extended its services in Ontario through outreach programs in locations such as: Barry’s Bay, Campbellford, Christian Island, Curve Lake, Napanee, Northbrook, Picton, Rama, Sharbot Lake and Tweed. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director of Marketing and Communications,
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536
