Convocation Speaker Brian Askett Encourages Loyalist Graduates To Listen to Their Inner Voice
On the afternoon of June 11th Loyalist College honoured 416 graduates from the Schools of Business and Management Studies, Biosciences and the Centre of Justice Studies. Christine Read, graduate of the Esthetician program, was the recipient of the Governor General’s Medal.
The guest speaker at the event was Brian Askett, four-time recipient of the Treasury Board Merit Award, the highest award presented by the federal government to public service employees. Mr. Askett graduated from Loyalist College in 1973 on the Dean’s List with a three-year Business diploma in Accounting. His career has spanned more than 33 years in various departments and functions of the federal government, holding progressively senior operational positions focusing on systems, finance and administration. As Acting Director Domestic and Foreign Operations and International Banking Division, Brian managed the financial staff responsible for the financial operations of DFAIT. He and his staff were responsible for $3 billion in expenditures and over $300 million in revenues annually using over 90 currencies. He was nominated by the College for the prestigious Premier’s Award program in 2008.
In his address Brian Askett reminded the graduates that it is just as important to listen to their own inner voice as it is to listen to others. “Listening to others and yourself are life skills. It isn’t always easy and it takes lots of practice to master. It is important to take time to let your inner voice speak through the day-to-day clutter and not let it be over-ruled by others. Take lots of time for big decisions, sometimes you just need to sleep on it for awhile.”
An honorary diploma was presented to Brian Askett by Mrs. Margaret Werkhoven, Chair of the Loyalist College Board of Governors, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the public sector in a career spanning more than 33 years with the federal government focusing on systems, finance and administration.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca