Conestoga news

January 24, 2014 8:45 AM

Student receives international award

Jessica Dyas, second-year student in Conestoga’s Protection, Security and Investigation program, was recently named as a recipient of this year’s ASIS International award in recognition of her high academic achievement and exceptional merit. The award was presented by the organization’s Southwestern Ontario chapter on December 12.

ASIS is an international community founded in 1955 which now includes more than 38,000 security practitioners involved in the protection of people, property or information. Members represent a broad range of industries in the both the public and private sectors.

ASIS.jpg Dyas was initially recognized by the organization’s local chapter, which awards annual scholarships for second-year students enrolled in security programs at area colleges across southwestern Ontario, including Conestoga, Fanshawe, Lambton, Mohawk and Niagara. Based on the strength of her application, the local chapter nominated Dyas for one of the 20 international awards distributed to students across North America.

She will receive a $1,000 scholarship as well as a free student membership in ASIS, which will provide her with full access to job placements worldwide, a subscription to the organization’s monthly publication, and opportunities to participate in discussions and networking with security professionals.

Dyas spent more than a decade working in the service and retail industries before entering Conestoga’s Protection, Security and Investigation (PSI) program in 2012 to pursue a career that would better align with her interests in psychology and criminology. She credits the college’s admissions officers for their efforts to assist her in identifying the PSI program as the right fit and praises program faculty for their ongoing efforts to support students and help them make connections as they prepare for future careers.

After completing her program this spring, Dyas hopes to pursue additional studies in psychology and criminology.

The Protection, Security, and Investigation program is a two-year diploma program designed to prepare graduates for employment in private investigations, security administration and a variety of other private and public law enforcement careers. Applications for Fall 2014 entry are still open.

For more information, visit: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/0002.jsp