Ministers attend renaming ceremony at CNA
2/7/2005 3:43:59 PM
Stephenville Crossing, February 4, 2005 – College of the North Atlantic held a renaming ceremony at its Bay St. George campus last night to dedicate its Stephenville Crossing location, formerly the District Vocational School, as the Martin Gallant Building in honour of the institution’s longest serving principal.
Gallant, a war veteran (he served in the Royal Air Force, Newfoundland Forestry Infantry Unit from 1940-1941, and with the Royal Air Force during World War II from 1941-1946) began as a Carpentry instructor at the building, which first opened as a vocational school in 1963, and by 1966 was appointed Principal of the institution.
Gallant served in this capacity until 1977, when vocational schools in the Bay St. George area were combined to create one community college, at which time Gallant was appointed Assistant Director. He remained with the institution until 1981, when he retired as Vice President of Administration and Operations.
The ceremony was attended by government's Social Policy Committee of Cabinet including members John Ottenheimer, Minister of Health and Community Services, Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Tom Osborne, Environment and Conservation Minister, Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, Dianne Whalen, Government Services Minister, Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and Tom Hedderson, Minister of Education. Hedderson and Burke each spoke of Martin Gallant’s commitment to the post-secondary system in the province.
Minister Burke shared her experiences with the 40th Anniversary of CNA this past June. She says many people spoke to her then of Martin Gallant’s contribution to vocational education.
“They expressed their desire to recognize his outstanding career in vocational education at Stephenville Crossing by naming the building in his honour,” said Burke.
“This ceremony is a reflection of how much Mr. Martin was admired by his peers, neighbors, co-workers and community. We all recognize the achievements and contributions of a respected and dedicated educator and community leader.”
Minister Burke also reflected on Mr. Gallant’s special skill of seeing the potential in every student and that his work was instrumental to the success of the college system.
Minister Hedderson said the evolution of the college system from 11 separate vocational/trades schools in the 1960s to the strong public college system today has contributed to the lives of its students, and ultimately the economic and social well being of our province. Just like Martin Gallant.
“Tonight we celebrate not only another milestone in College of the North Atlantic’s growth, but also the career of Martin Gallant and his role in vocational education in this area. I was honoured to be able to approve this name change which is fitting tribute to all his contributions to this campus,” Hedderson said.
Robert Rideout, Director of Administration at CNA, spoke on behalf of President Pamela Walsh, who was in St. John’s attending the official launch of the college’s Alumni Association – yet another milestone for the college. He also made mention of the college’s impact on the province, as it accounts for nearly $670 million of annual earnings in the economy – equal to some 18,000 jobs.
“In its early years of operation – under the guidance of Martin – the campus offered an array of programming that included math, english, science, plumbing, welding, carpentry and hairstyling,” Rideout relayed.
“Although many of the programs have changed, the campus continues to address the needs of students and industry in this community, in the province, and across the country, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, leading edge programming and an excellent assembly of staff and faculty.”
Rideout said that this building and all those across the province serve as not only locations for training and education, but as a vital part of each community.
“This location is dedicated to a very deserving individual who reflected this model. The influence he had on the programming at this location, and indeed all of Bay St. George campus, is still being felt today.”
Rosemary Finn, former faculty under Gallant’s leadership, spoke very eloquently about the ethic he inspired in his staff, addressing him directly.
“You were more than an administrator to us… you were our friend.”
Gallant’s daughter Laura also said a few words about her father, sharing her pride and respect with the crowd in attendance.
“This is recognition of the past, but I also see this as something for the future,” she said. “His legacy will be felt throughout this area for generations to come.”
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