Mandy Bonisteel, Loyalist College Nursing Graduate (1978), has been awarded the 2010 Premier’s Award in the Health Sciences category, one of only six prestigious awards presented to Ontario College Graduates annually. The Award was presented during a November 22 celebration that was part of the Higher Education Summit in Toronto, organized by Colleges Ontario.
“I’m surprised and very honoured to receive this Award,” said Mandy Bonisteel. “I walked through the doors of Loyalist College knowing that I wanted to help others. I am thankful to my parents and my children who have taught me a great deal about unconditional regard, an important ingredient in a helping field. Loyalist College taught me the importance of teamwork; each of us plays an important role, and individual success does not occur without team support.”
Mandy’s diverse career has focused primarily on anti-violence work through education, counselling, consulting, advocacy and activism. She is the Coordinator/Professor in the Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate Program at George Brown College; Director of Program Development at Respect-At-Work; and a part-time Registered Nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto on the Psychiatric Emergency Intervention Team. She founded the Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District, and has been involved in a number of international initiatives in Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Namibia, India, and Samoa.
“On behalf of the Loyalist College community, I am delighted to extend our sincere congratulations to Mandy,” said Loyalist President, Maureen Piercy. “It is gratifying to know that we provide the type of environment that can inspire graduates to great achievement in their chosen careers, and Mandy is a wonderful example of the way in which Loyalist graduates contribute to our communities.”
The College is also pleased to acknowledge the outstanding Loyalist graduates who were nominated for Premier’s Awards in the following categories this year: Business, Karen Sharp-Perry; Community Services, Brenda Whitehead; Creative Arts & Design, Edman Yiu; Recent Graduate, Lisa Kirbie; and, Technology, Vern Haggerty.
The Premier’s Awards are presented annually to Ontario College Graduates who have made significant contributions to Ontario and throughout the world. Each recipient receives a bronze medal, a framed certificate signed by the Premier of Ontario, and a $5,000 bursary for their graduating college.
Media Contact: Edina Cappuccitti, College Advancement & External Relations, ecappuccitti@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2392