College launches alumni association
2/3/2005 7:53:24 PM
February 4, 2005, St. John’s - College of the North Atlantic has officially launched its new Alumni Association. The launch took place at the college’s Prince Philip Drive campus in St. John’s on Thursday, Feb. 3.
College President Pamela Walsh says the establishment of an alumni association has long been an important goal of College of the North Atlantic.
“We have a lot to be proud of and it is you, our graduates, who have helped build our reputation of excellence by bringing the highest quality skill set, innovation and professionalism to your workplace,” she says, noting that many who have already signed up for the association have volunteered to become involved as guest speakers, mentors for students and ambassadors for the college.
The event was hosted by Ryan Cleary, managing editor of The Independent newspaper and college alumnus. Cleary graduated from the college’s journalism program in 1989, and has had a very successful career in journalism occupying positions with the Evening Telegram, the Newfoundland Herald and The Independent. He reiterated President Walsh’s message.
“I am very proud of my College of the North Atlantic diploma in journalism. I really enjoyed my time spent at the Bay St. George campus in Stephenville and I look forward to continuing that relationship and becoming a part of the alumni association,” he said.
“As well, you can appreciate the development of an alumni association would be of particular interest and value to current students at the college. Alumni can be role models and career mentors and a direct line to the workplace.”
Of course there are also many benefits for alumni as well. For instance, registered alumni have free lifetime access to all college library resources. This includes all books, journals and reference materials, research tools, Internet access, computer access, scanning and printing where available. The office also offers assistance with class reunion planning, access to Career Employment Services (http://ces.cna.nl.ca), and more.
Also announced during the evening was the winner of the Free Gas for a Year contest, Tammy Dillon of Paradise, a graduate of the Computer Studies program. All alumni who registered prior to December 31 were entered in the contest, which was sponsored by alumni association partner North Atlantic Petroleum.
The alumni association is open to all graduates of the public college system, which includes College of the North Atlantic and all of its predecessor institutions such as Cabot, Westviking, Fisher and the former District Vocational Schools (for a complete list of qualifying institutions visit the alumni section of the college’s website at www.cna.nl.ca).
“I encourage all graduates to sign up with the alumni association,” says Laura Edwards, Manager of Alumni and Advancement. “We’ll keep you connected with the college, with one another and with other employers. You’ll be up to date on what’s happening and can become involved with events and activities if you choose. If nothing else, you’ll have a direct link to your college and all the other benefits that go along with being an association member.”
For more information on the college’s alumni association call (709) 758-7515 (those outside St. John’s can call collect), or visit the website and register on-line.
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For more information contact:
Stephen Lee
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7929
stephen.lee@cna.nl.ca
or
Tanya Alexander
Public Information Officer
(709) 643-7928