Business and community leader Maureen Cowan, co- CEO of Princeton Holdings, was presented with an honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies degree during Conestoga’s Convocation ceremonies on June 7.
Princeton Holdings - a family of companies that includes the Frank Cowan Company, The Guarantee Company of North America, Cowan Asset Management and Cowan Insurance Group - provides 1,000 jobs and lends tremendous support to hundreds of local organizations through the Cowan Foundation.
“As well as her achievements in business and in the community, Maureen and the Cowan family have been great supporters of Conestoga, our programs and our students,” said Conestoga president Dr. John Tibbits during the ceremony. “Their support has been instrumental in the development of Conestoga facilities such as the Career Centre and the Cowan Health Sciences Centre at the Doon campus.”
In her address to Conestoga’s Business graduates, Cowan reminded them of the choices they will need to make as they embark on their career path and applauded graduates for decisions they have already made.
“Thus far you have made a couple of major choices. You have chosen to study business and you have chosen to study at Conestoga College,” said Cowan. “I am sure you know this is the number one college in Ontario, but I also want you to know the terrific reputation this college has in the business community for producing career-ready students. I guess this is what they refer to as the Conestoga advantage. You all have that advantage.”
Cowan, who reflected on her own career path, also told graduates the decisions they make now will form the basis of their success in their careers and lives and shared the following advice:
- Have an open conversation with yourself as to what you want your life to look like and make sure your career plans align with your life plans.
- Remain open-minded and flexible on the path you take to get to where you ultimately want to be.
- Sometimes things happen in work or life that we can’t control, but we can control how we respond to them.
- Expand your resources and choose people well.
- Choose to give back.
The full ceremony, including Cowan's address, is available for viewing online
More than 4,300 new graduates will be recognized at Conestoga's Spring Convocation ceremonies held June 6 through 9 at Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener.