Graduates and guests attending the first of four Loyalist College Convocation ceremonies today were inspired by guest speaker, Loyalist graduate Mandy Bonisteel. Ms. Bonisteel addressed 603 graduates of the College’s Schools of Architecture and Building Sciences, Skills Training, and Health Sciences.
After graduating from the Loyalist Nursing Program in 1978, Mandy Bonisteel has worked as an advocate, activist, consultant and therapist in the anti-violence movement with a primary focus on adult survivors of child sexual abuse. She has worked with survivors and perpetrators of violence and has created numerous anti-violence training programs for police, child welfare, and various community groups. She has also worked on a variety of international projects in Bosnia, Herzegovina, Kosovo, Namibia, Azerbaijan, Mexico, India and Samoa.
Ms. Bonisteel is currently a Professor at George Brown College, where she is the Coordinator of the Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate Program. She is also Director of Program Development at Respect-At-Work, a training initiative of the London Centre for Research and Education in Violence Against Women and Children, and a Part-time Registered Nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto on the Psychiatric Emergency Intervention Team.
In her address, Mandy Bonisteel spoke of her own experience as a student of Loyalist College. “The feedback from teachers, and field supervisors and mentors, was the best guidance ever. I did not always agree but in the end I learned from all forms of feedback. We were in a learning relationship together. My goal, as I know yours is as well, was to transition from learner to contributor – in a sector of work that came from my heart – a workplace that I envisioned myself in – and those who gave me feedback were also invested in my success. Now, more than 30 years later, I remain thankful for the investment that others had made in me at that time,” she said.
The 2010 Premier’s Award recipient in the Health Sciences category for Ontario College graduates, and a recipient of the Ontario Medal of Citizenship, was presented with an honorary diploma by Loyalist College Board Chair Stuart Wright. Ms. Bonisteel was also presented with the Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award by College President Maureen Piercy and Mr. Hugh P. O’Neil, in recognition of her service and exceptional contributions, to her profession and community.
Guest Speaker Mandy Bonisteel Addresses Graduates
Media Contact: Edina Cappuccitti, College Advancement & External Relations, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2392; ecappuccitti@loyalistc.on.ca