March 16, 2005 (THIS IS A DRAFT)
"This place and the education that I received here, helped me become who I am today". That was the sentiment echoed over and over again by each of the guest Alumni speakers at Clarenville campus' inaugural Alumni gathering. Rhonda Tulk-Lane, (ABIT graduate, 2003) hosted the event and, with here trademark enthusiasm, told the audience of 50 guests how important her College experience was to her. "I'm a graduate and a former employee of the College - and this place has been excellent to me and for me - I even met my husband at the College".
Laura Edwards, Manager of the College's Alumni Development initiative, explained the major reason why the College is embarking on this Alumni initiative, "We recognized a real need for graduates to stay connected and for the College to stay connected to them. Each chapter will be unique but each will have the common purpose of getting graduates togeather to celebrate our collective successes"
Trinity North MHA, Ross Wiseman, noted that although he is not a graduate of the Clarenville Campus, he did marry one! His wife Sandra graduated from the stenography program in the early 1970's. Mr. Wiseman said that "This is a great opportunity for us to get togeather and celebrate the the College as a world class educational institution. Over the past 40 years the College has been recognized for its contributions, not only locally, but nationally and internationally...I was here last year and was impressed to find out that through Distributed Learning, this College has students from every province across Canada and around the world - not too many other educational institutions can make that claim...That is a testament to the success of this organization and the quality of its courses and graduates"
"A lot of the graduates who are not here today went on to work and live in Clarenville - they built this town to make it what it is today" With those words, Bellevue MHA and Clarenville Campus Alumni Percy Barrett gave an emotional and insightful talk on the impact of this campus and the broader College on the development of Newfoundland and Labrador over the past 4 decades. "I trained to be an electrician at Clarenville campus. after finishing, I helped wire several of the public buildings in Clarenville and St. John's - but I found out very early in the game that I was not cut out to be an electrician. I went to Memorial and finished my Education degree whereupon I became a school principal at 21 years of age. Later, I applied for the the job of Assistant Director of Adult Education - I got it because I had the unique combination trade and university experience."
Capt. Ed Dewling, also brought his story of being a young man with a family who had an urge to better his and his family's life. Capt. Dewling came to Clarenville campus with a grade 9 education. With the help of Nick Donovan in ABE and Ross Martin in Steam/Pipe as well as instructors at Bonavista campus he moved to Marine Institute where he progressed to be Captain of a 700 ft Bulk carrier. "I got a lot of education out of all of you (instructors), I would not have gotten where I am today without your help - I was like a dream far off when I came - it was a struggle but I made it!"
Graduates Wendy Tavernor and Craig Stringer also spoke to the impact of their College experience on their lives. Ms. Tavernor's experience was representative of her entire family - most of whom either graduated from or are currently enrolled in a program here are the campus. Mr. Stringer joined his family business upon graduation and has overseen its expansion into new operating lines with several new employees.
The event was followed by a cake cutting and social. Brenda Reid, stepped out of her role of campus administrator and into her Alumnus role for the cake cutting. "It's been a few years since I graduated from Grand Falls campus, but like the others who spoke, I am living proof of the value of a College education"
Many thanks to all of the graduates who took part and even to those who could not. Recent graduate Michelle Blackler wrote us an email to pass along her thoughts:
Just thought I'd say hello. I noticed from your website that there is going to be a College Alumni Night on March 16th. Wish I could be there but unfortunately fate had other plans for Trevor and I.
Things have been great though. Since graduating from the Business Admin class, I've gotten married, moved to Fort McMurray, secured a full time position with Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corp and tomorrow we will be moving into our new home.
Completing the Business Admin- Accounting Diploma program has proven to be one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I started with Wood Buffalo Housing in August as an Accounting Clerk, since then I have been promoted to A/R Supervisor where I now oversee two other Accounting Clerks. The courses offered at the Clarenville campus definitely prepare you for the workforce.
So, I guess I should say thanks for being one of the "important links" between then and now! I hope all your current students understand how big of an impact their "NOW" will have on their "TOMORROW".
Keep up the good job with the website. I love it! It's like a piece of home away from home.
All the best,
Michelle Blackler (Nee Harris)
If you or a member of your family or someone you know would like to join the Clarenville alumni association please contact the campus at 466.6901. You can also visit the College's alumni website at http://www.cna.nl.ca/administration/student_services/alumni/
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