Television Personality and HGTV Renovation Expert Damon Bennett Addresses Graduating Students at the Second of Four Convocation Ceremonies
Belleville, Ontario, June 9, 2016 – On the afternoon of June 9 at Loyalist College’s 49th Annual Convocation Ceremony, 300 graduating students in the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology and the School of Health, Human and Justice Studies were recognized with Ontario College Advanced Diplomas, Diplomas and Certificates. The ceremony was the second of four.
The Convocation address was delivered by guest speaker Mr. Damon Bennett, a trusted construction expert and television personality for more than a decade. Today Mr. Bennett lends his expertise to home owners and DIY’ers across North America with instructional keynote presentations, and runs a construction company, building and renovating homes.
“I encourage you, no matter what career you’ve chosen, to make this world a better place,” he said. “Volunteer, help your neighbours, and make a difference. Being human is a wonderful experience. Being human is kindness, love, appreciation, giving, courage and compassion. Without these things we would have a very bleak future… You’ve started a wonderful journey with Loyalist College that will help prepare you for the years ahead. “
In recognition of his distinguished career as a television personality and trusted renovation expert, and positive contributions in support of worthy community projects, Mr. Bennett was presented with an Honorary Diploma by Chair of the Loyalist Board of Governors June Hagerman.
About Loyalist College
We put you to work™. When it comes to grads getting jobs, 87.4 percent of the College’s most recent graduates found employment within six months of graduation compared to the provincial average of 83.6 percent, according to Provincial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results released in April 2016. 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 hundreds of 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. The College is a key driver of the social and economic health and prosperity of the area and contributes 5.4 percent to the Gross Regional Product. This represents an overall effect on the regional economy of $530 million – based on a 2014 Report by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses, visit loyalistcollege.com.
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Media Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director of Marketing and Communications,
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536
(Left to Right) Television Personality and HGTV Renovation Expert Damon Bennett, Loyalist College President and CEO Maureen Piercy, and Loyalist College Board Chair June Hagerman