The annual Convocation Ceremonies honouring the Durham College Class of 1997 graduates will be held on Saturday, June 14th at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium, 99 Thornton Road South, Oshawa.
Two ceremonies are scheduled to confer diplomas and certificates.
At the 10:00 morning ceremony, Peter Bagnall, General Director Customer Support Services, General Motors of Canada Ltd. will address more than 800 graduates from approximately 30 Arts & Administration and Business programs. Twenty-four of those graduating students are General Motors and Peregrine Inc. employees who will be awarded a Two-Year Durham College Business Leadership Diploma.
Mr. Bagnall is responsible for the entire customer support portfolio for General Motors dealerships across Canada. He joined General Motors in 1965 and has held positions of increasing responsibility until he assumed his present position in 1991. He is a graduate of Waterloo Lutheran University and has attended the General Motors Training Program at University of Western Ontario. As an active community member, he is the co-chair of Creating Futures, the Durham College and University Centre Campaign.
"We are all justifiably proud and happy to see so many graduates complete their course of study. They have challenged themselves and conquered the obstacles of achieving a post-secondary education," said Peter Bagnall. "Now they are ready to take on even more responsibility and obligations in today's global workforce."
At the 2:30 afternoon ceremony, more than 700 Business and Skills Development, Community Services, Health & Human Studies and Technology graduates from approximately 36 programs will attend to the address of Jim Woodward, Legislative Assistant to the Ontario Division of CUPE.
Mr. Woodward is a member of the political education committee of the Ontario Federation of Labour, past president of the Durham Labour Council, a co-chair of the Durham Region Training and Adjustment Board, and a co-chair of the Creating Futures, the Durham College and University Centre Campaign. In the past, he was the president of the Durham Labour Council, a board member and chair of the United Way campaign, as well as a board member of the Ontario and Durham Region Coalition for Social Justice. In recognition of this volunteer work, he was awarded the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal in 1993.
"Durham College students graduate furnished with "Real World Education" which includes values, integrity and work ethics," stated Jim Woodward. "They are equipped to set the tone for a cooperative, productive and positive work environment."
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