Each
year Conestoga recognizes many of the talented members of its Associate
Faculty. Dorina Idvorian is this year's recipient of the J. David Stewart
Memorial Associate Faculty Award. The award recognizes a member of the
Associate Faculty who has made an outstanding contribution to or has taken
a leadership role in the teaching-learning process at Conestoga.
It is spring, a season of reawakening, of hope, and new opportunities.
Our Spring/ Summer catalogue this year has many exciting and challenging
courses. Take the time to find a class that will bring you closer to your
lifelong learning goals. Education is the key to success for all of us.
It played a major role in the person that I am today. I was fortunate
to have had the opportunity to work with many great people over the years
that have strengthened me and taught me many things. One such person was
Dave Stewart (formerly Director, Continuing Education). He encouraged
me to become what I am today. His belief and support for education as
a lifelong process was what inspired me to, not only teach, but to learn
as well. I enrolled in the Teacher/Trainer of Adults program. I learned
so much during two years in the program where a group of great instructors
gave me a tremendous amount of tools to use in my particular field. Lifelong
learning became part of my life, taking numerous workshops in my field
of floral design and in many other areas.
My ten years of involvement with Conestoga have been filled with a great
deal of pleasure and personal satisfaction. I was able to participate
in the development of a Retail Florist program. However, I realize today
that would not have happened had it not been for the great support and
leadership of people like Dave Stewart and Joyce Irving (Program Administrator
at that time). Today it continues to grow on account of many others with
whom I have had the pleasure to interact. We meet on a regular basis to
review the program, altering it to the needs and trends of the floral
industry.
The joy of teaching and sharing my knowledge of the floral industry with
others is still alive in me after almost 25 years of teaching adults.
In my quest for learning, growing and finding the true passion in my life,
I was fortunate to have a continuous support and understanding of my husband
throughout all these years, allowing me to live my dream.
I am honoured to have been selected the first recipient of J. David Stewart
Memorial Associate Faculty Award. The award is a legacy for Dave's hard
work, love and belief in lifelong learning. Conestoga has become more
than a place to work, it has become part of my family. However, in the
end, the students are probably the biggest reason for my continued involvement
in teaching. I return every year to find new hopes and dreams in the lives
of the students I meet.
Learn and grow!
Dorina Idvorian, Co-ordinator/Instructor, Retail Florist Program
