College grads celebrate their success

With 14 graduates in attendance, Confederation College held its annual convocation ceremony Monday night at the Townshend Theatre.
College president Patricia Lang told the graduates that sharing in convocation is one of her greatest pleasures.
“Tonight we celebrate your success,” she remarked. “My advice to you is to live your life with passion and joy.”
Lang also expressed her confidence in the programs offered at the college, saying she knew that wherever the grads go after school, they will make a difference.
Emo Reeve Russ Fortier also addressed the graduates.
He noted although the campus is located in Fort Frances, its programs truly allow it to be a regional campus—serving many people outside of the town.
He also shared some principles that have served him well.
“Never be afraid of risk, never be afraid of failure, and never be afraid of compromising,” Reeve Fortier said.
The graduates also were honoured with the song “Break Away” by Kelly Clarkson, which was played and sung by Christina Sletmoen.
The graduates then walked the stage to receive their certificate or diploma, and have the liripipe placed on their left shoulder to signify graduation.
Rebecca Van Drunen, a graduate of the Social Services Worker diploma program, received the Award of Excellence, which is given to the full-time student with the highest academic grade at a campus (minimum 3.5 GPA).
This year’s graduates were as follows:
•General Arts and Science (certificate)—Charles Bechard;
•General Arts and Science (diploma)—Kristin Bridgman-Delin and Janell Morrisseau;
•Personal Support Worker (certificate)—Dana Allen and RoseMary Fava;
•Educational Assistant (diploma)—Rebekah Barron, Mallory Chowhan, and Rachel Hebert;
•Paramedic (diploma)—Dennis Gagnon;
•Social Services Worker (diploma)—Tara Albanese, Jon Brickwood, Shauna-Leigh Carlson, Selma Lee, Calvin Morriseau, and Rebecca Van Drunen; and
•Accounting (diploma)—Tarra Malyk