Awards Ceremony

What a wonderful event last night!  Balloons, the laughter of children, the buzz of conversation between students, staff, and families set the tone for the awards ceremony.  To hear the stories of achievement and lives changed as a result of participating in courses given by the Centre for Excellence in Foundational Learning (our department just in case the new name doesn't ring a bell) is truly inspiring. 

Two awards stood out for the importance of their stories.  First, the Fran and Susan Award for Academic Preparation.  Not only were these two former faculty still excited about what we do at BVC, they provided time for the award recipient Jasvir Sandhu to read her paragraph on how her life was changed by her experience in Academic Preparation.  Jasvir's comment to "never give up on your dreams" was spoken with heartfelt appreciation for the support she received.  It was also an inspiration to others, who like Jasvir, have significant challenges between their dreams and where they are at.

The second award that stood out for me was the Sandra Taylor Memorial Award.  The parents of Sandra Taylor continue to take exceptional pride in their daughter's contribution to BVC and the difference instructors make in the lives of students.  This award reminded everyone on how tightly knit we are as a community of educators... which when so much is going on, is sometimes set aside.  As the "newbie" this closeness was already evident... I just did not understand how deeply it ran.

As every award was handed out, and students - sometimes with their children - took the stage, one could tell that this recognition meant a great deal.  For some, I found out, this was the first award of any kind that they had ever received.  For others, the awards were a kind of motivator to reach further after new goals.  Yet others, talked about how the award proved to them that they could go to university or on to another challenge.  Every story that I heard from award recipients was inspiring - be tenacious, face and overcome adversity, take risks, and celebrate achieving a dream.  

Going home after this I reflected on just how important the work of our department is... of how important the work of each instructor and each staff person is in helping these students achieve their dreams.  I want to thank each of you for your commitment, time, and passion to make a difference in the lives of students.

I also want to thank the team who put on the awards ceremony - Jehad Abu-Ulbeh, Anjali Chugh, Glenna Besse, Iba Boda, Sharon Cameron, Bev Kosior, Alex MacDonald, Petya Mirtchovska, Lynda Newton, Angele Patry, Patricia Price, and Jenniel Taylor-Samuel.  I also want to recognize the two Events Management students who assisted - Janine Cezar and Chantal Godperson.