President & CEO of CDN Manufacturers & Exporters Jayson Myers Delivered Convocation Address for Schools of Architecture and Building Sciences, Health Sciences, and Skills Training
Belleville, Ontario, June 7, 2012 – At the 45th Annual Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, June 7th beginning at 10 a.m., Loyalist College proudly presented diplomas, advanced diplomas, and certificates to 530 successful candidates in the School of Architecture and Building Sciences, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Skills Training.
The Convocation ceremony was the first of four, which will be held in the Kente Building over two days. Altogether, 1,956 Loyalist students will graduate, having successfully completed the required curricula in their program of study. Chair of the Loyalist Board Stuart Wright officially opened Convocation and welcomed graduates and their families and friends, as well as guest speaker, Jayson Myers.
As President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Canada’s largest industry and trade association, Mr. Myers is widely quoted and published in the fields of Canadian and international economics, and technological and industrial change. Mr. Myers is also the Chair of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, representing more than 48 industry associations who deal collectively on priority issues for Canada’s manufacturing sector. He sits on special advisory councils to the Minister for International Trade, the Minister of Industry, Immigration Canada, Human Resources Development Canada, and the Canadian Border Services Agency.
During his speech, Mr. Myers offered graduates valuable insight: “You graduate today with extraordinary opportunities ahead,” he said. “Demographic trends will be one of the most important factors affecting your careers. A retiring baby boomer generation means that there will be strong demand for people with the practical and applied skills that you have. Your skills will be in demand. That’s the good news.
But, you will also be challenged by the expectations of seniors. It will be up to you to generate the taxes and investment revenues that we will require for our retirement incomes, our health care, and for our social services. We will rely on you to increase economic productivity at an unprecedented rate in order to sustain the living standards that we as Canadians enjoy and expect.
There are also the challenges of how we respond to the intense competitive pressures the Canadian economy and Canadian businesses are facing from China and other countries. How do we remain current with the accelerating pace of technological change?
We know that we have much to do to ensure environmentally sustainable economic growth and to improve environmental conditions. The development and more efficient use of new sources of energy will be vital. These challenges will call for practical and innovative solutions. For these, we will rely on you.
The reality is that jobs are changing rapidly. Organizations, businesses, governments are reshaping themselves. Technologies are rapidly changing. So, don’t look for a job. Look for a career. Follow your interests. Continue to learn. Make it a personal quest. Make it a lifelong adventure. Above all, have fun. The skills you have developed here at Loyalist will serve you well. Now it’s up to you.”
In appreciation of his memorable address to the graduating class of 2012, Mr. Myers was presented with an honorary diploma in Skills Training. This tribute recognizes his outstanding contributions as an advocate of the Canadian manufacturing sector, his leadership as a respected economic analyst, and his advocacy for life-long learning. Mr. Myers also holds a B.A. (Hons) from Queen’s University, an M.A. from the University of British Columbia, and a D. Phil. from Oxford University.
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous 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 percent 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) President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Jayson Myers receiving an honorary diploma in Skills Training from Loyalist Board Chair Stuart Wright
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For more information contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Media Relations Specialist
Loyalist College
613-969-1913 ext. 2536