This is Convocation week at Conestoga College, with three ceremonies scheduled to mark the 33rd Convocation. In addition to the presentation of certificates and diplomas, the College will confer three major awards on exemplary graduating students.
Governor General’s Academic Medal Ceremony: Wednesday, June 20, 4 p.m.
Commissioned by the Office of the Governor General of Canada, this bronze medal and congratulatory certificate go to the student who achieves the highest overall average upon graduation from a full-time, diploma-level program of at least two years’ duration.
The winner is Colin Yardley of Waterloo, who is graduating from the three-year Electronics Engineering Technology - Computer Systems program. He achieved an overall average of 97.00. A 1997 graduate of Waterloo Collegiate Institute, he is currently employed in Waterloo as a software developer with SST Division of Woodhead Canada Ltd. As part of his co-op program at Conestoga, he did a 16-month internship with SST.
Conestoga College Mastercraft Award Ceremony: Wednesday, June 20, 4 p.m.
Established by former Conestoga College President Kenneth E. Hunter, this award recognizes student achievement in program-related technical skills. Judging first occurs at the program level, then any qualifying program winners go on to College-wide judging, conducted by an external panel of technical professionals. The award consists of an inscribed and framed program guild shield, plus a cheque for $500.
The winner is Josh Halbert of Kitchener, who is graduating from the two-year Woodworking Technician program. For his final-year project, he designed and built a six-string acoustic guitar. The project took more than 250 hours and involved research, planning, materials selection, hand skills, machine skills and computer skills. Josh Halbert is a 1998 graduate of Resurrection Catholic Secondary School.
James W. Church Achievement Award Ceremony: Thursday, June 21, 7 p.m.
Established in honour of Conestoga’s first President, this award recognizes a combination of qualities deemed by Dr. Church to connote excellence -- achievement in learning, a demonstrated concern for the dignity of the individual and the making of a personal contribution of benefit to society. The award consists of an inscribed and framed program guild shield, plus a cheque for $1,000.
The winner is Alissa Sauder of Cambridge, who is graduating from the two-year Recreation and Leisure Services program. An Honour Roll student at Conestoga, she has a long history of volunteer experience with organizations such as Doon Heritage Village, the Joseph Schneider Haus, Langs Farm Village Community Association and Casatta Cambridge, an open-custody facility for young offenders. She is employed on the staff of Centreville Chicopee Community Centre and as a supply education assistant with the Waterloo Region District School Board.
She has had major involvement with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). She has made several trips with YWAM project teams to cities such as Atlanta, New Orleans and Miami, where she has played an active part in activities such as working at homeless shelters, food banks, church-based childcare centres, and conducting street ministry activities. She is a 1998 graduate of Grand River Collegiate Institute.
In each instance, the presentation will be made by President John W. Tibbits.
The 33rd Convocation ceremonies will honour more than 2,900 eligible graduates from programs in Business, Engineering Technology, Trades and Apprenticeship, Applied Arts, Health Sciences and Community Services, College Access, Continuing Education, and Training and Development programs.