FORT ST. JOHN – Approximately 400 students at the Fort St. John Campus of Northern Lights College, or who were enrolled in online programming, were recognized at the annual Convocation ceremony held on June 14 at the Pomeroy Hotel.
Students in 33 program areas were honoured through the conferral of certificates and diplomas.
Barb Zunti, a graduate in the Business Management Diploma program and the 2012 recipient of the Governor-General’s Bronze Medal, was named the Valedictorian.
In her valedictory address, Zunti talked about choices and challenges.
“All of us were dealt some challenges in our time at NLC. The fact that we are here today means we overcame those challenges,” Zunti said. “Life and learning go hand in hand… Now we go out and find out what we will learn in the rest of our lives.”
Keynote speaker for the event was Fort St. John businessman Russ Beerling. Beerling encouraged the graduates not to be satisfied with just meeting basic expectations.
“Every potential employer is going to get many resumes. What is going to make yours stand out?” Beerling said. “As you go forward into your future, don’t be stuck in a box. Be creative and different from your competitors. Don’t just fit into the norm. Be more than what your customers expect.”
Other special guests who brought greetings to the graduates included Larry Espe, Superintendent of Schools for School District 60; Brent Taillefer, District of Taylor councillor; Karen Simpson, Vice Chair of the NLC Board of Governors; and Laurie Rancourt, President of NLC. A blessing by Debbie Trask opened the ceremony.
NLC hosts three Convocation ceremonies each year. Other Convocation ceremonies are held in Dawson Creek (June 15) and Fort Nelson (June 22).
