Mill manager, police, students honoured by Sault College

Marc Dube, Sault Ste. Marie mill manager at St. Mary's Paper Ltd., received special recognition at Sault College's 2003 Convocation over the weekend.

Also singled out for special honours were Sault Police Chief Robert Davies, OPP Chief Superintendent Carson Fougere and graduates Janice Ansley, Raymond Madahbee, Danielle Stephens, Linda Kustura, Patricia Lavoie, as well as the entire graduating classes in the Child and Youth Worker and Social Service Worker programs.

Dube was recognized as Sault College's nominee for the 2003 Premier's Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the economic and social vitality of the province by community college graduates across Ontario.

To read more about Dube's accomplishments, please click here.

Chief Davies and Chief Superintendent Fougere received honourary diplomas for their contributions to Sault College's criminal justice program.

To learn more about Davies and Fougere, please click on these links:

Chief Robert Davies receives honorary diploma OPP Regional Commander gets honourary diploma

SooToday.com photo coverage

Good job Grandma! Well done, Dad! Picture perfect The Big Kahuna Faces in the crowd Songbirds Christina Coutu and Liane Parry A proud moment

The graduating students mentioned above were singled out for attention in convocation remarks made by Sault College chair Jim Bonifero.

The following are excerpts from his speeches at the morning and afternoon convocation ceremonies:

**************************************************************** Janice Ansley

Leadership takes many forms.

One of this morning’s graduates used her maturity to lead in quiet, unassuming, and highly effective ways.

She has supported and encouraged her classmates, making them feel valued and important, especially when things weren't going so well.

Because of her impact, she has earned the deep respect and admiration of both classmates and faculty.

I ask Computerized Business Systems graduate Janice Ansley to stand so that we may acknowledge her positive influence.

Thank you Janice – well done!

Raymond Madahbee

Many factors contribute to student success. Making the most of fresh starts can be one of them.

It takes courage to start again.

Another of today’s graduates found success the second time around at Sault College.

Before the construction of our beautiful Native Centre, students gathered in limited quarters in the basement of A wing.

One of today’s Computer Network Technology graduates can remember that time long ago.

Both older and wiser, he came back to school many years later.

While succeeding academically, he has also served as President of the Native Student Council and the Student Administrative Council.

This man has contributed much to student life and to Native activities on campus.

I now ask Raymond Madahbee to stand.

Thank you Raymond – well done!

Danielle Stephens

Someone once said the key to a successful life is getting back up after we’ve fallen down.

For most of us, academic success doesn’t come easily or naturally.

It means getting back up when – despite our best efforts – the results on a test or assignment send us reeling.

Many of you are here today because you got back up, and then worked even harder.

You didn’t take the easy way out.

This morning we will recognize another graduate who first benefited from peer tutoring and then went on to help others as a tutor.

This grad also played varsity basketball for our Cougars, helping the team gain entry into regular OCAA league play next year.

Perhaps she applied an old sports saying – “When the going gets tough, the tough get going” – to her academic endeavors.

This woman will graduate from Aviation today.

Then, she will continue her education in Aviation degree studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.

Danielle Stephens, please stand so that we can recognize you.

Thank you Danielle – well done!

Linda Kustura

Success in school and in life inevitably means overcoming obstacles.

It may also mean seeing and seizing opportunities in what appears to be adversity.

An industrial accident threw an unexpected curveball at one graduate with us today.

But she refocused her life in new directions, returning to school as a mature student.

For the past two years, she has excelled.

She graduates with honours and at the top of her class.

Through the International University College Division, she will continue her education at Lake Superior State University.

An LSSU scholarship will cover much of her tuition.

With her diploma and degree, she will pursue a management career in the security field.

I ask Law and Security Adminsitration graduate Linda Kustura to stand so that we may recognize her.

Thank you Linda – well done!

Patricia Lavoie

Another of this afternoon's graduates surmounted different challenges.

As a student in the Community Integration Through Cooperative Education program, she developed employable skills.

They will help her enjoy a career working with the elderly in retirement home settings.

While this graduate has acquired knowledge and skills here, she has done much more.

Through academic and social achievements, she has gained self-confidence she previously lacked.

This is a remarkable success story, especially for one who is legally blind.

I ask Patricia Lavoie to stand so that we can acknowledge her achievements.

Thank you Patricia – well done!

Child & Youth Worker, Social Service Worker grads

Just as individual initiatives produce positive results, so do group efforts.

During the past three years, graduating students from two programs have demonstrated in very tangible ways this community college’s commitment to its community.

Since 2001, the graduating students have raised approximately $10,000 to benefit children in Sault Ste. Marie.

Funds have supported such worthwhile ventures as the Soup Kitchen’s Children’s Summer Recreation Program and the Children’s Aid Society’s Kids in Care Scholarship program.

This year’s graduating classes raised $4,200 for the CAS’s Family Preservation Service.

I ask Child and Youth Worker and Social Service Worker graduates to stand and be recognized.

Thank you graduates – well done!

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