Belleville, Ontario, June 7, 2012 – At the 45th Annual Convocation Ceremonies, Loyalist College proudly announced 121 award recipients. The awards were provided by private donors, businesses, industry associations, community organizations, and the Loyalist College Foundation. At the Convocation Ceremonies held on Thursday, June 7th and Friday, June 8th, 1,956 Loyalist students will graduate with a diploma, advanced diploma, or certificate.
“The numerous graduate awards we have the privilege of presenting today reflect the significant support of our community,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “Recognizing our students’ achievements helps to set their careers off to a great start. As a society, we will continue to reap the rewards of their contributions far into the future.”
Below are four highlights from the Convocation Ceremonies:
The Governor General’s Medal was presented to Mary Beth Webster of Belleville, who graduated with a cumulative average of 97.28% from the two-year Business program in the School of Business and Management Studies. The Collegiate Bronze Medal from the Governor General of Canada is presented to the student in a two or three-year college program with the highest cumulative average. Mary Beth also received the Steven Hope Memorial Award for high academics in the Business Communications/Computer Applications course.
“I’m honoured to receive this award,” said Mary Beth, a mature student who graduated from the Hotel & Restaurant Management program in 1999. “I was very focused in my education this time around. I worked hard, and it definitely paid off. I love learning and would stay at Loyalist forever if I could.”
The Herbert Young Scholarship Award was presented to Mathew William Richards of Colborne, Ontario, for his outstanding academic achievement and participation in Loyalist College life. In addition to receiving his Culinary Management Diploma, Mathew also received the Mercer Culinary Excellence Award, as the top student in his program. He is also a graduate of the Culinary Skills/Chef Training Certificate program. Valued at $750, the award celebrates Mr. Herbert Young, who was the President of Loyalist College from 1970–1988.
“Mathew shows great leadership skills and stands out as an exceptional organizer with the ability to motivate any team,” said Culinary programs Coordinator and Chef John Schneeberger. “For the Junior Iron Chef Competition and Food & Beverage Show in February, Mathew played an integral role in leading the class and creating a positive experience for high school students, their families and everyone in attendance.”
The Community Living Belleville and Area Award, in partnership with McDougall Insurance and Financial is a new award, which will be presented to Kimberly Lynn Cheer of Brighton, Ontario, at Convocation on Friday morning. A graduate of the Developmental Services Worker program, Kimberly best exemplifies the philosophy of person-directed support, and has completed a placement with Community Living Belleville and Area.
“The award means a lot for my career in Developmental Services Work,” said Kimberly. “I’m now employed at Community Living, where I also did my placement.”
The Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Cindy Brandt of Stirling, Ontario, for her exceptional contribution to her community through leadership and volunteer service. A 1987 graduate of the Nursing program, Cindy is Administrator of the Caressant Care Retirement and Nursing Home in Marmora, Ontario. Recently, she chaired the Stirling-Rawdon Hockeyville Committee, overseeing the community’s submission to the Kraft Hockeyville program.
“As a result of Cindy’s leadership, as well as the hard work of community members, Stirling-Rawdon topped more than 300 communities from across Canada to win the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville 2012,” said President Maureen Piercy. “It is an honour to recognize Loyalist graduate Cindy Brandt today, for her outstanding contributions.”
Hugh P. O’Neil presented Cindy with the Outstanding Alumni Award, which was named after him in 1998 by the Board of Governors, in honour of his leadership as chair of the College’s ‘Foundations for the New Millennium’ Campaign.
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining highest academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 per cent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. 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.
(L-R) Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy presents the Governor General’s Medal to Mary Beth Webster, a graduate of the two-year Business program
– 30 –
Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Media Relations Specialist, Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536