‘We did not give up’
NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus graduates 163 at Middleton convocation
It was hugs, tears, diplomas, group selfies, and goodbyes June 7 at the Nova Scotia Community College.
It was an end and it was a beginning. A total of 163 students from across Canada, the United States, Ghana, and even China walked across the stage at the Danny Tobin Gymnasium, graduating in a number of disciplines at the NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus during convocation exercises in Middleton.
They received certificates or diplomas and top students earned top awards. The convocation included students from the Centre of Geographic Sciences in Lawrencetown as well as programs in Middleton.
With two schools in neighbouring communities, the convocation boasted two valedictorians – Davis Gosse from the Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology program in Middleton, and Zac Fredericks in the Cartography program in Lawrencetown.
“We have learned a lot in our specific programs, but we have also learned a lot about ourselves and what we are capable of doing,” said Gosse, from Hammonds Plains. “We are capable of more than just completing exams, lectures, essays, and presentations. Education is about taking risks, it is growth, it is inspiring others, it is inspiring ourselves, it is discovering new things, but most of all - it is opportunity. We are giving ourselves a better opportunity in life, a better opportunity for our children, and maybe even giving our parents an opportunity to finally retire.” holds true, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And I may be a little biased saying this, but there is no one tougher than a COGS graduate.”
“As we celebrate the completion of one major stage in your learning, my request of you is simple … please let your time at NSCC be just one of many learning journeys that you undertake during you life,” said NSCC President Don Bureaux. “Because as (Canadian astronaut) Chris Hadfield said, “lifelong learning is one of the most important of our civic duties because we all have the responsibility to be prepared for the unexpected and we should always be in a position to pay forward the amazing kindness that we receive during our lives.”
Joshua Boulard, Kingston, a graduate in the School of Trades and Technology Plumbing program, earned the NSCC Gold Medal. He was unable to attend the convocation.
In his remarks, Glavine said the Annapolis Valley Campus is a leading institution in Canada.
“I see your diploma as the basis of future success,” he told students. “We live in a time of immense change, and the workplace over the next quarter century will change remarkably. But I feel that your diploma from NSCC will be a wonderful anchor for immense success.”
“On behalf of the entire college, it gives me great pleasure to say congratulations, and I want you to promise me one thing: after you walk across the stage this morning that you please commit to a life of learning,” said Bureaux, “so you’re always ready when you’re faced with the unexpected and you’re always able to pay forward the many gifts and abilities you now have.”