MEDIA RELEASE

President’s Award recipient gains confidence, skills at BVC

CALGARY, May 27, 2009 – Perseverance paid off for Stephanie Wilson.

She found the Events Management Diploma at Bow Valley College challenging and was tempted to walk away, even after investing more than year of study. But the 24-year-old from Airdrie will walk the stage with her classmates on Thursday, June 4, and accept her hard-earned diploma during the Spring 2009 Graduation at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.

Today, Stephanie was named recipient of the President’s Award, a $2,000 scholarship honouring a ‘natural leader and positive role model who selflessly supports her fellow students,’ during the Celebrating Student Futures Awards Ceremony at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“Being the proud recipient of this award enhanced my confidence and reassured me that persistence, dedication, and hard work really do pay off,” said Stephanie.

Stephanie became a hair stylist after high school and spent five years in that career. Organizing several hair design and fashion shows gave her a taste for event planning and she knew a career change was in order.

Bow Valley College’s Events Management Diploma prepares learners to successfully plan, manage, promote, and evaluate special events.

“The courses challenged me on a personal level to be passionate, ambitious, and confident and on a professional level to be patient, flexible, and prepared to embrace diverse circumstances,” Stephanie said.

Her instructors and classmates nominated Stephanie as a respected role model with a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and organizational skills. She works well in a team and understands the importance of cultivating strong interpersonal relationships.

During her time at Bow Valley College, Stephanie interned with the Marketing and Communications Department and volunteered for such noteworthy events as the Henry Burris All-Star Weekend, the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, and the BVC Alumni Association launch. She’s also planning her own wedding, with her nuptials due in February 2010.

“The opportunities I got at BVC allowed me to develop not only skills in events management, but also to network and build the relationships I will need to be successful in this industry,” she said.

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