News Releases

June 24, 2022

Nearly 2,400 graduates from the Class of 2022 joined NBCC’s robust network of 53,000 alumni working and living in New Brunswick, following in-person graduation ceremonies over the course of five days in six campus communities, June 20-24.

“You chose to pursue your education and came to NBCC during a time of unprecedented change; you took a leap of faith into an uncertain future and you are here today as a result of your perseverance, triumphant and ready for the road ahead,” said Mary Butler, President and CEO of NBCC, in her address to graduates.

With New Brunswick facing a wave of retirements and automation disrupting nearly half of existing jobs, the lessons learned by the Class of 2022 will serve them well on the job, she said.

“As technology evolves, you will have to adapt to new processes, perhaps more than any other generation before you,” she added. “But your ability and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, to embrace new technology and processes, to be flexible when it matters most……those things are going to set you apart in the workplace.”

The Class of 2022 can be optimistic about employment prospects; a follow-up survey of the Class of 2020, one year after graduation, indicated an employment rate of 90%, 92% of them working and living in New Brunswick and contributing the province’s social and economic prosperity.

The attached backgrounder provides information on valedictorians from each NBCC Campus, as well as recipients of the 2022 NBCC Student Excellence awards and Governor General’s medals.

About NBCC:

With six campuses across New Brunswick, NBCC’s quality-assured, relevant training opportunities support the needs of learners, employers, and communities, contributing to New Brunswick’s social and economic prosperity. Find out more about skills development training at NBCC by visiting: www.nbcc.ca.

Media Contact:

Tanya Greer, Lead, Strategic Communications
506.440.9105 tanya.greer@nbcc.ca

Valedictorians

Fredericton Campus: Jennie Hunter, Business Administration: Marketing

Jennie, who moved back to New Brunswick in 2019, excelled academically in her program and served as Student Council Representative for her class. A strong advocate for local business, she launched the Harvey Farmer’s Market to support struggling vendors during the pandemic, while also volunteering her marketing expertise to several other local organizations.

Miramichi Campus: Derek Mullin, Justice Studies: Police Foundations

Derek was inspired to pursue a career in policing and law enforcement after losing a close friend in a motor vehicle accident. During his time at NBCC, Derek served as President of the local NBCC Campus  Union and volunteered for many organizations and events in his community.

Moncton Campus: Paolo de la Cruz Advento, Administrative Professional

Paolo, an international student from the Philippines, came to NBCC with more than 10 years of experience in accounting, customer service, and administrative roles. During his time at NBCC, he excelled academically and served his community by volunteering at vaccine clinics, preparing and serving food at the Medavie Community Kitchen, harvesting vegetables from the Rotary Club’s Community Garden, and so much more.

Saint John Campus: Tara Pyfrom, Administrative Professional: Executive

Tara, an international student from the Bahamas, returned to school as a mature learner after years spent in the workforce. She excelled academically in her NBCC program and has secured a job in her field of study in Saint John.

St. Andrews Campus: Jennifer Kallio-Schell, Practical Nurse

Jennifer, a resident of St. Stephen, excelled academically in her program while serving as Student Council Representative for her class. During her time at NBCC, she also volunteered in her community, participating in weekly park clean-ups and visiting palliative care patients.

Woodstock Campus: Paula Arrais, Accounting and Payroll Administration

Paula, an international student from Brazil, moved to Canada to further her education and pursue new career opportunities. During her time at NBCC, Paula was Secretary of her local Campus Union while also serving as Student Council Representative for her class.

Student Excellence Award Recipients

School of Arts, Community and Protective Services: Dana Quinn, Justice Studies: Corrections, Miramichi Campus

Dana, who lives in Miramichi, was actively involved in her community throughout her studies, volunteering for various organizations and community initiatives. She has also been incredibly supportive of her classmates, motivating them in the classroom and encouraging participation in College activities.

School of Business, Hospitality and Tourism: Yentil Harris, Hotel & Restaurant Management, Moncton Campus

Yentil is a very positive and hardworking international student who enrolled in NBCC’s Hotel & Restaurant Management program in September 2021. She is a natural leader with a keen interest in learning and supporting her classmates. During her program, Yentil was instrumental in her team’s successful Business Venture Project, CaribZEN.

School of Engineering Technologies: Dana Nielsen, Building Engineering Technology (BET): Building Systems, Fredericton Campus

During his time at NBCC, Dana served as Student Council Representative for his class. As a mature student, he worked hard to prioritize his studies by showing up to class on time, bringing a positive attitude, and being an enthusiastic learner.

School of Health and Wellness: Jaimee Van Metre, Practical Nurse, Miramichi Campus

Despite beginning her NBCC journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaimee remained motivated and dedicated to her studies throughout her program. She demonstrated leadership qualities and was always ready to interact and work alongside her peers during lab and clinical placements. Jaimee’s care and compassion for her patients is unmatched.

School of Information Technology and Natural Resources: Meghan Nye, Information Technology: Programmer-Analyst, Fredericton Campus

Meghan has been an exemplary student, always submitting her best work and making positive contributions to the classroom. During her time at NBCC, she participated in a BOOST Innovation event with the City of Fredericton, earning her a practicum placement with the city’s Tourism Department.

School of Trades and Apprenticeship: Alexa Solomon, Plumbing, Moncton Campus

During her time at NBCC, Alexa served as Student Council Representative for her class. She also mentored and tutored her classmates, participated in volunteer activities, and achieved academic excellence.

School of Professional and Part-time Learning: Mark Ferrish, Applied Studies Mentorship, Fredericton Campus

Mark took full advantage of professional development and learning opportunities during his program and has grown into a tremendous leader. He demonstrated a strong commitment to class discussions, always coming prepared and with a great attitude.

Governor General’s Medal Recipients:

School of Arts, Community and Protective Services: Sara-Lynn Muise, Early Childhood Education, Fredericton Campus, GPA 4.225.

School of Business, Hospitality and Tourism: Pamela Lodge (Saint John Campus) and Hannah Grant (Moncton Campus), Business Administration: Accounting, GPA 4.293.

School of Engineering Technologies: Alexander Carman Colwell, Power Engineering Technology, Saint John Campus, GPA 4.293.

School of Health and Wellness: Dawn Bovaird, Pharmacy Technician, Moncton Campus, GPA 4.260.

School of Information Technology and Natural Resources: Marc-Andre Michaud, Information Technology: Gaming Experience Development, Moncton Campus, GPA 4.268.

School of Trades and Apprenticeship: Matthew Thompson, Mechanical Technician (Co-op), Saint John Campus, GPA 3.991.