Coast Mountain College ceremonies in Terrace, Smithers and Prince Rupert this month celebrated the graduation achievements of approximately 420 students issued with credentials since June of last year.
That represented an increase of approximately 120 students over the previous 12 months.
In all, 34 programs produced graduates ranging from associate degrees in university studies to post graduate diplomas in business administration to skills and trades certificates.
New to the college this year was a west coast culinary diploma to to prepare students for a career as a chef focusing on local food sources and preparation. This year it produced one graduate, Mikaela Nole.
Carole Fell, a social service worker certificate graduate in 1994, was presented with the distinguished alumni award for her contributions while Sarah Grielens, the college’s coordinator of systems and records in Terrace, was provided with the employee recognition award for her work accomplishments. Employee Rob Gruber was given the community service award.
Business graduate Darjem Ponce received the Lieutenant-Governor’s inclusion, democracy and reconciliation medal for his connections and change at the college and elsewhere.
The Governor-General’s collegiate bronze medal for the highest overall average upon graduating from a diploma-level, post-secondary full time program went to business student Gurneet Singh Chadra.
The Terrace ceremonies were also the occasion for out-going college board chair Nicole Halbauer, herself a past college graduate, to be re-issued her credential in her Indigenous name, X’staam Hana’x.
That option will be available to graduates from now on and past graduates can request the same.