The College of New Caledonia will celebrate the achievements of nearly 900 graduates in the Class of 2023 with ceremonies in Prince George and Quesnel.
Ceremonies will take place at
1pm on Thursday June 1st at Prince George’s CN Centre, and
1pm on Thursday June 8th at CNC’s North Cariboo Campus in Quesnel. The Prince George ceremony will available
via livestream.
“It’s always inspiring to take part in convocation and mark the growth, resilience, and achievements of graduates,” said Dr. Dennis Johnson, CNC president and CEO. “Every graduate has a goal… whether it’s an exciting new career or further learning in the region or with affiliated universities. The dedication and hard work of graduates has paved the way for promising futures filled with endless possibilities.
“Convocation also helps us recognize CNC’s employees. We often hear about the vital roles that employees play in graduates’ successes. I’m thankful for everyone in the CNC community in making our vision of learning together, changing lives, and creating futures a reality.”
Of the 898 graduates in the class of 2023, more than 440 have registered to take part in the ceremonies. The events will honour students in CNC’s four academic schools: access and continuing education; health sciences; human services, university studies, and business; as well as trades and technologies.
CNC’s convocation ceremonies will feature inspiring stories of graduates who have opened new doors through their college education. Among them will be Darian Meesto of Onion Lake and the Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation in Saskatchewan, who will graduate from CNC’s social service worker diploma program.
“I’d like to encourage all people to never give up in their education or on their dreams, especially Indigenous youth. The road can be hard, especially for at-risk youth like I once was. But by setting a goal and making the most of a good support system, you will succeed,” Darian explained.
“The college was my second home because I utilized everything it had to offer. I made good relationships with the Aboriginal Resource Centre. They were my family away from home because mine was two provinces away in Saskatchewan. I was also pleased to be part of the CNC Students’ Union where we worked together to help many students with their needs.”
Darian will be honoured with the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation. The college will also announce winners of the Governor General’s Academic Collegiate Bronze Medal Award and the Mary John Award of Excellence at the ceremonies.
In addition to this year’s graduating class, CNC will recognize two groups of students for their achievements.
This spring marks the completion of studies at CNC for 97 registered nursing students from the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate of Nursing Program. NCBNP is a partnership between CNC and the University of Northern British Columbia. Students complete the first two years of their nursing studies at CNC. They move to UNBC for the remaining two years of their program and to receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
CNC will also recognize 138 trades and technologies students who have completed their fourth level of studies with the college. The students in automotive service, carpentry, electrical, heavy mechanical trades, and industrial mechanic programs will move on to complete their Red Seal designations.
For the first time, CNC’s convocation ceremonies will also include staff members who have family members graduating with credentials from the college. Staff members will join President Johnson as their graduating family member crosses the stage.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Christine Midgley, Content and Media Relations Officer
midgleyc2@cnc.bc.ca