October 5, 2007 - 2:51am
It takes courage to return to school. Just ask the 20-plus students who received special recognition at Malaspina University-College's annual Adult Basic Education (ABE) awards night last week.
Faculty, staff, family and friends gathered to recognize and celebrate the success of mature learners who completed their high school education or courses to prepare for further study in trade, career or university programs.
“The work you’ve done is an inspiration to all of us,” Dennis Silvestrone, Dean of Adult Basic Education, told the students. “You’ve showed us what it means to have determination, commitment, and belief in a goal. Many of you have overcome incredible challenges and hardships to return to school and reach this important milestone in your lives.”
Tony Bellavia, Malaspina’s Director of Career and Academic Preparation, said ABE serves an important purpose because “it helps adult learners return to school, launch new careers and be successful. “Our statistics show that approximately 20 percent of Malaspina University-College students start with the Adult Basic Education program,” he said.
Eight students received their high school diplomas, while dozens of others received special awards recognizing their hard work and academic achievement.
Malaspina student Guillaume Jacques, one of three students to receive the Don Hubbard ABE Award, is now a first year student in the Nursing degree program after upgrading through ABE. Originally from Quebec, Jacques moved to BC five years ago to work as a computer programmer. "I moved from job to job," said Jacques. "After a few years, I needed a change. I wanted a job that had more social contact and where I could really help people."
Shona Pickup, a 36-year-old mother of two from Parksville, also upgraded through ABE to launch a career change. Pickup received the Rich Johnston Award for maintaining an A average while completing Biology 12. She begins Malaspina's Licenced Practical Nurse program in November.
“It’s scary to change careers when you’ve been out of school for a long time,” said Pickup. “I was worried that I’d feel out of place in the classroom, but there was a good mixture of people of all ages and backgrounds in the ABE program."
Over 3,500 adult learners in Parksville/Qualicum and another 10,000 in Nanaimo have successfully completed ABE since 1997. Courses are offered in English and math, computers, and science. Malaspina President Dr. Ralph Nilson said, “ABE is the heart of everything we do here at Malaspina. ABE focuses on student success and we’re very proud of the achievements of our students. We celebrate what they have accomplished, and what lies ahead as they continue the journey, whether they pursue further education or establish successful careers.”
Nilson also acknowledged the generous support of individuals in the community who sponsor ABE awards each year. Adult Basic Education is offered at all four Malaspina University-College campuses. For further information call (250) 740-6425 in Nanaimo, (250) 248-2096 in Parksville, (250) 746-3500 in Duncan, or (604) 485-2878 in Powell River.
Here is a complete listing of this year’s ABE award winners:
High school diplomas - Christine Lambillon, Sasha LeBaron, Theresa LeBoutillier, Amanda Pickering, Marcus Rekers, Danielle Samuel, Alana Sayers and Jollean Wilson.
John Rostron Award – Catia Bianchini
Rich Johnston Award – June Nguyen, Melody Lang, Shona Pickup (Parksville-Qualicum Centre)
Marianne van Toor ABE Award – Katie Bodnar, Collin Hartman, Carrie Williams
ABE Faculty Award – Lin-lie del Mundo, Mel Jacobson, Heather Porteous
Nicholas Plecas Award – Andre Kolodinsky, Sarah Langen (Parksville/Qualicum Centre)
Don Hubbard Award – Guillaume Jacques, Amber Jenkinson, Toni Jeffries (Parksville/Qualicum Centre)
Jean Campbell Award – Kim Hill, Katie Kutlesa, Melissa McDonald, Dale Douglas, Gwen Lightly and Kim Schiebel.
Parksville/Qualicum Campus Foundation Committee Award - Pauline Wadsworth
Tags: In the Community
