NEWS RELEASE


Bow Valley College graduates embark upon career paths: Class of Winter 2009

CALGARY, January 12, 2009 – Calgary has 414 more work-ready graduates, including its first ever Recreation Therapy Aide Certificate grads, following today’s Winter 2009 graduation at Bow Valley College (BVC).

The number marks one of the largest graduating classes in BVC’s recent history.

Sharon Carry, President and CEO of Bow Valley College, said she was filled with pride as she handed each of the graduates their diplomas and certificates on the stage of the Jack Singer Hall at the EPCOR Centre of the Performing Arts.

“Graduation marks an important transition in our learners’ lives,” she said. “They have important decisions—whether they continue their education or start jobs—and we at Bow Valley College know they are well prepared to meet those challenges and succeed.

“Today is indeed a wonderful achievement for each of our graduates and I’m sure they will experience many more achievements as they embark upon their career paths.”

The BVC Class of Winter 2009 included graduates from Business and Industry, Health and Community Care, and Academic Foundations, led by valedictorians Ferdinand Valdez, Kristina McGuire, and Iris Heidebrecht, respectively.

Each one addressed their class and expressed their gratitude for the knowledge gained and life lessons learned at BVC.

“I am very glad to have been a student here,” said Valdez, who immigrated to Canada in 2007. “I realize what a privilege it has been and I realize, too, that with every privilege comes a responsibility. I hope that what I have learned will benefit not only from my own family but also the community at large.

“Knowledge, I truly believe, has to be shared.”

The Class of Winter 2009 also heard greetings from Bill Davis, recently recognized as the top individual philanthropist under the Association of Fundraising Professional’s 2008 Generosity of Spirit Program, and BVC Board Chair Scott Thon.

Bow Valley College, with more than 11,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in health and business career training, adult upgrading, and English as a Second Language. BVC’s Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals, and employment services provide a wide range of services for business and professionals.