CNC celebrates success at convocation

The College of New Caledonia (CNC) celebrated its graduating class on Thursday, June 5 with a crowd of several hundred supporters at the CN Centre.

The total number of grads this year was 1,312, with more than 700 walking the stage. They join the more than 100,000 CNC alumni out in the world.

The ceremonies recognized students across CNC’s four academic schools: Access and Continuing Education; Health Sciences; Human Services, University Studies, and Business; and Trades and Technologies.

The graduates were welcomed into the CN Centre with a procession performance from the Tsi Balyan Ditni (Thundering Eagles), followed by the singing of the national anthem by the Nushed Yoh School Choir.

Grads and their supporters were given a traditional welcome from Lheidli T'enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh, a CNC cultural advisor.

This was followed by CNC president Cindy Heitman, who encouraged students to blaze their own trails post-graduation.

“I know how much hard work, resilience and personal sacrifice it takes to get here,” said Heitman. “You've made a big choice. One that not only changed your future, but that connects you forever to CNC. You are now part of a network of learners, leaders and change-makers who continue to shape this region and beyond. As alumni, you carry the legacy of this college forward. Stay connected, support one another, share your experiences, mentor those who follow and strengthen the fabric of this institution that helped shape you. As you hold your credentials in your hand, you are also holding the start of a new chapter. It is such an exciting time for all of you. Chart your own course, write your own story, sing your lyrics and paint your own path.”

Speaking after Heitman was Lheidli T'enneh Chief Dolleen Logan, who said she had a personal and emotional connection to the school.

“My daughter graduated from CNC. I was able to give my daughter her certificate when she crossed the floor. Obviously, that's a highlight of my career. It's one day that will never, ever happen again. It was amazing … Saying that we're proud of you does not seem like the right word. We need something stronger. When I hear graduates, I get goosebumps. Because it's exciting. It's your future, you are young, you're doing what you want to do."

Logan delivered a message.

“There's one saying that I've heard and I've used it quite often and you'll hear it a lot throughout your life," she said. "'Sorry, you failed.' 'You failed to do this.' 'You failed to tie your shoes into double knots.' 'You failed.' You didn't fail. The quote is, 'it was my first attempt at success.' So remember that forever.”

Graduates then watched a video greeting from the minister of post-secondary education and future skills, Anne Kang, who spoke about their contributions to the community and encouraged them to emerge as leaders in their chosen fields.

Among the grads were three award winners.

Melissa Renshaw received the Governor-General's Academic Collegiate Award for graduating from the Diagnostic Medical Synography Domo Program with an impressive 4.3 GPA.

“The past two years have been the most humbling and rewarding experience of my life. I am deeply honoured to receive the Governor General’s Academic Medal — a recognition I carry with immense gratitude,” she said. “I extend my sincere thanks to the College of New Caledonia for offering a program that not only prepared me for a career in diagnostic medical sonography but also instilled essential life skills and confidence in me. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their encouragement and extensive support throughout this journey.”

The Lieutenant-Governor's Medal for Inclusion Democracy and Reconciliation was presented to Grace Burke, who is graduating from the Social Service Worker University Transfer Diploma Program and during her time at CNC has demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and community wellness.

The third award was presented to Kerry Thomas who won the Mary John Award of Excellence. This award is given to a student who exemplifies commitment to community service and the revitalization of language and culture.

The Citizen spoke to Thomas, who had this to say to his fellow grads and classmates: "Congrats to everybody here who has graduated and for those who are still studying and stuff, just hang in there. Just don't give up your dreams and just keep on going. It is tough right now, but the light is right there. You just got to keep going.”

The graduatess then walked the stage to the thunderous cheers and applause of family members, friends, classmates and supporters as their certificates and diplomas were presented.

Grads also heard from graduate speakers Ujunwa Eneumo, a diploma graduate in the Practical Nursing Program, and Kartik Manchanda, an associate degree of science graduate, who talked about their personal academic journeys.

The ceremony concluded with celebrating grads' family, and facility, cheering, dancing and celebrating while tossing giant balloons from one end of the CN Centre to another.

“This just exemplified the community spirit, and the journey that we support our students on,” Heitman told The Citizen afterward. “It's just an amazing day … it's truly a celebration of every single person individually. My favourite part was honouring all the students, having an opportunity to chat with them on stage, congratulate them personally and celebrate them. Hearing the camaraderie, the cheers for one another, it's just extremely special.”

Heitman also gave her thoughts on the importance of these new grads entering the professional world and their effect on Prince George.

“CNC brings that family community feeling,” said Heitman. “From the moment you walk in the door, we are there for you. We focus on that student experience from start to finish. From the moment you apply to CNC, you become one of our students and we try to support you all the way through your journey. Checking in and supporting you however you need, but it is really about doing everything we can to help the students get to where they want to be and reach their goals.”

Heitman talked about some of the highlights of the academic year.

“Well, No. 1 is the graduating class this year being huge. Also, the way CNC persevered through the challenges that we faced as we moved through some of the changes to post-secondary across the nation and how the college community just came together, problem solved, and worked together.”

She shared some thoughts that she wants grads to take with them.

“I want to say the hard work students put in was recognized by CNC, recognized today, recognized throughout the year,” said Heitman. “We couldn't be more proud to see those students walk across the stage today. And, you know, as I said in my address to the graduates, this isn't an ending, it's a beginning. There's so much more for them and just stay true to who you are, follow your passions, follow their journeys. And I look forward to seeing what they bring.”