Executive Director of the CMHA-HPE Sandie Sidsworth Delivers Convocation
Address for the Schools of Health Sciences and Human Studies
Belleville, Ontario, June 4, 2015 – During the Loyalist College 48th Annual Convocation Ceremony on the morning of Thursday, June 4, Loyalist proudly presented 525 graduating students in the Schools of Health Sciences and Human Studies with advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates. The Convocation Ceremony was the first of four, being held in the Kente Building over two days. Altogether, 2,070 Loyalist students will graduate, having successfully completed their program of study. Chair of the Loyalist Board of Governors, Brian Smith, officially opened Convocation and welcomed graduates, their families and friends and guest speaker, Ms. Sandie Sidsworth.
“Those of you who are graduating today may think of this as the day you received an important credential, officially marking your success as a student at Loyalist College,” said Mr. Smith. “You’ll also see it as the day you celebrate your achievements with family, friends and teachers. Those are the memories you will take with you. I know this because I am a proud Loyalist graduate. I sat in your chair and remember my Convocation.”
Ms. Sidsworth is the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hastings and Prince Edward Branch (CMHA-HPE). She has more than 25 years of experience in child welfare, addictions, domestic violence and mental health. In partnership with the Women’s College Hospital Research Institute, she has developed ‘Connecting the Dots,’ a service delivery model for domestic violence, mental health and addictions, which she facilitates across the province. Among other accomplishments, she organizes the annual ‘Sleep Out So Others Can Sleep In’ fundraiser that provides funds for much-needed repairs to local homes and gives volunteers an appreciation of homelessness by spending a night outdoors in downtown Belleville in January.
“You (graduates) are courageous and you are dedicated and I am so pleased to be part of this service,” said Ms. Sidsworth. “You are going to be moving forward and you are going to be working with people who will provide challenges, heartache and sometimes even tears. You take what you have learned here, you shape it and it becomes part of your toolbox to go forward to work with clients and individuals.”
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to providing support for people dealing with mental illness in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, Ms. Sidsworth was presented with an Honorary Diploma, the College’s highest academic tribute. In addition, she was presented with the Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award in honour of her exceptional career success and leadership.
“Convocation is the ultimate celebration in the life of Loyalist,” said College President & CEO Maureen Piercy. “It is a celebration for you — our graduates — and it is the result of the efforts of many members of the College, who all take great pride in their roles — the faculty and staff who have worked with you to help you succeed — and others throughout the College who have prepared for this event. Graduates, you are joining a great family of Loyalist Alumni — over 37,000 strong!”
Ms. Rietta Brown of Belleville, Ontario received The Governor General’s Award. The award is presented to the graduating student with the highest cumulative average in a two or three-year College program. Ms. Brown graduated with 97.1 per cent from the three-year Child and Youth Worker program. The Governor General’s Academic Medal was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, and has since become one of the most prestigious Canadian educational awards.
“I truly feel that I could not have made a better choice,” said Ms. Brown, a Moira Secondary School graduate (2006), of choosing Loyalist after giving herself six years to map out her career path. “For me, this award is not only recognition of my hard work, but also recognition of the champions who have been cheering me on for the past three years. When I found out I was this year’s recipient, I was surprised, excited and felt validated. I worked very hard and ensured that every grade I earned was a reflection of my best ability. I was also aware that there are so many strong students at Loyalist, many of whom are in the graduating class of 2015.”
Ms. Brown also received the United Way of Quinte Award. She has been working at the Quinte West Youth Centre as a Program Assistant since April and also works for the Limestone District School Board as a Casual Educational Assistant. She plans to further her education and obtain a Master’s degree.
“The fact that I was able to secure not only one but two positions — is, I feel, a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and networking I have done over the past three years,” added Ms. Brown. “The Governor General’s Award is one that I take great pride in and it will continue to motivate me to continue my education. I consider myself a lifelong learner.”
About Loyalist College
When it comes to grads getting jobs, Loyalist College is the #1 College in Ontario. According to Provincial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results released April 15, 2015, 89.3 percent of the College’s most recent graduates found employment within six months of graduation compared to the provincial average of 84 per cent. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior student services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and 500+ online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and the LEED® Silver certified Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses, visit loyalistcollege.com.
Ms. Rietta Brown of Belleville, Ontario receives The Governor General’s Award from Loyalist College President & CEO Maureen Piercy and Senior Vice-President, Academic and Student Success John McMahon during the first of four Convocation Ceremonies held at Loyalist in Belleville, Ontario on Thursday, June 4, 2015. – LOYALIST COLLEGE PHOTO
Guest speaker Ms. Sandie Sidsworth, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hastings and Prince Edward Branch (centre left), was presented with the Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of her exceptional career success and leadership during Convocation at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario on Thursday, June 4, 2015. Ms. Sidsworth poses with Loyalist College President & CEO Maureen Piercy (left); Mr. Hugh P. O’Neil (centre right) and Chair of the Loyalist Board of Governors Brian Smith (right). – LOYALIST COLLEGE PHOTO