Even as new students began their journey at Bow Valley College earlier this month, 350 learners are graduating today, ready to take their new skills out to the larger community, having recently completed their career program at Bow Valley College.

Graduates were today offered words of encouragement and guidance from Sharon Carry, President and CEO of Bow Valley College, and winter 2013 graduation keynote speaker Dr. Roger Gibbins, past President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation.

"At Bow Valley College we strive to foster a community of learning and service," said Sharon Carry, President and CEO of Bow Valley College. "Our graduates will now grow their community, build lives and careers in our great city and province, providing solutions to the challenges of tomorrow."

Graduates also received words of encouragement from fellow learners and winter 2013 class valedictorians; Adrienne Lefaivre, of the School of Business, and Dainelle Low, of the School of Health, Justice, and Human Services.  

"We came from different backgrounds, different cultures and embarked with different expectations of what this journey would mean to our lives," said Lefaivre. "We learned important lessons from each other along the way - an outcome as valuable as the education we gained."

Low echoed a similar sentiment, "We soon will begin a new chapter in our lives, and I wish for each graduate today tremendous success. May courage lead you to discover a confidence you never knew you possessed. May perseverance shape your character in fine tuning your skills and may dedication guide you in making a difference in this world."

Programs represented at today's graduation include:

• Accounting and Financial Management Certificate
• Administrative Professional Certificate
• Business Administration Diploma - Accounting
• Dental Business Assistant Certificate
• Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
• Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
• Health Care Aide Certificate
• Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate
• Medical Office Assistant Certificate
• Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Practical Nurse Diploma
• Recreation Therapy Aide Certificate
• Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate

- 30 -

Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 13,100 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning. BVC's Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES), workplace training for immigrant professionals, and employment services provide a wide range of services for businesses and professionals. Established in 1965, Bow Valley College will celebrate the official grand opening of its LEED Silver Certified South Campus building in April 2013.