News Article

Bay St. George campus renames dining hall


6/15/2007 3:10:28 PM


George Baker, Kelly Lee and Carol Jesso are presented with commemorative plaques during the naming of the dining hall at Bay St. George campus. The hall was named after retirees George Baker and Howard Lee in honour of their contributions and years of service to the college.

College of the North Atlantic (CNA) recognized two outstanding individuals in a very unique way on Wednesday.

The dining hall at the Bay St. George campus was named after retiree George Baker of St. George’s and the late Howard Lee of Port au Port, former cooking demonstrators with the college. Both individuals were recognized for the impact they had on students who passed through the doors of CNA.

Eric King, an instructor for Commercial Cooking, came up with the idea to recognize Lee and Baker.

“I couldn’t think of two better fellows who I’ve ever worked with. We have a team made up of a practical joker and a very serious person. But I’ve never worked with two better men,” says King.

“I was trying to think of something to do to honour them. I came up with this idea and wondered if the college would support me in this – it was the easiest thing I ever did and everybody supported me.”

Brian Foley, campus administrator for Bay St. George, says the college was pleased to honour Baker and Lee.

“This isn’t something that just happened – it goes to the history of both men who were both great educators. These are two individuals who are great examples of what community college is all about. They connected with individuals, and their families, co-workers and community are very proud of them.”

Doug Fowlow, former president of the college, says both are outstanding individuals who gave their time freely.

“These gentlemen were the backbone of the serving service here and of the college itself. They were always the first people to volunteer in assisting with fundraisers and the last to step forward to take a bow for their work. I think that speaks for it all.”

Sentiments echoed by Chef Barbara Ryan of the Western Newfoundland Chef’s Association.

“They were two of the first members of the Chef’s Association. They were members for many years and spent countless hours raising money for our organization. We are truly grateful for every hour they spent and their contributions to our association.”

Family, friends and former co-workers were on hand to witness the renaming of the dining hall and the unveiling of Lee and Baker’s chef jackets.

Baker, along with Lee’s daughters, Kelly Lee and Carol Jesso, unveiled the chef jackets, which will remain in display cases.

“I would never have guessed all those years ago when I came to work at the college that I would be standing here today being honoured in this way,” says Baker.

“Just knowing I contributed to the education of so many young minds and helped them develop skills they would need to go out into the world and work at something I have enjoyed doing all my life, is an honour in itself.”

He says he feels very proud and humbled to be recognized.

“I see so many old familiar faces that I have worked with, laughed with and been friends with over the years, and am deeply humbled by your presence… You are all a part of what made it easy to get out of bed every morning and come to work smiling.”

Kelly Lee, speaking on behalf of her family, described her father as always being cheery.

“Have you ever met someone who was always cheery, never complained and always had something funny to say? My dad had always been that person. His contagious sense of humour always lifted the occasion,” reflects Lee.

“My dad always enjoyed life. His true success in life was people as he understood the joy in lifting other people up, making them smile and leaving them changed in a positive way.”

She says there is a specific manner in which Howard Lee lived his life.

“His actions and he beliefs resulted from his ideas about the lifestyle he wanted to lead. Each idea was a part of him and it was impossible to make him change,” she concludes.

“He would always make everyone feel welcome, no matter what the circumstances. He would never look down on anyone. Finally, a good sense of humour helped him through the difficult and trying times, and increased his happiness during the good times…. He would be very humble, yet very proud.”

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For more information contact:

Stephen Lee
Manager of Marketing and Communications
(709) 643-7721

Or

Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Assistant
(709) 643-6408