CALGARY - Bow Valley College (BVC) was pleased to give Alberta philanthropist Nancy Mannix, Chair and Patron of the Palix Foundation, an Honorary Diploma in Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) at the recent winter graduation ceremony. Mannix also acted as keynote speaker during the event.

Cherylyn Cameron, Dean of the School of Community Studies and Creative Technologies, BVC, presented Mannix with the ELCC Diploma. This inaugural distinction was granted in recognition of all the work Mannix has done in the area of emerging brain science. The Palix Foundation, through the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative, focuses on creating alignments between science, policy, and practice in the area of brain development and its connection to addiction.

"I am honoured to have received this Early Learning and Child Care Diploma. At the Palix Foundation we do a lot of work in the field of emerging brain science in order to promote children's health and family wellness. I'm so pleased that these Bow Valley College graduates are heading into the workplace with that same focus of making our society a better place for children and families. Through their roles as competent, engaged, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals they can make the world a better place," said Mannix.

"The work that Nancy Mannix has done in the field of emerging brain research has helped broaden our understanding of early childhood development, children's mental health, and lifelong health outcomes. Her efforts have also helped to connect the scientific community to policymakers and professionals, to the benefit of children and their families. She is a shining example to all of our graduates in what can be achieved in the field of Early Learning and Child Care, and we are so glad to recognize her extraordinary achievements," said Cameron.    

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Editor's Note  

Nancy Mannix biography: Ms. Mannix is the Chair and Patron of the Palix Foundation. The Foundation, through the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative, is focused on creating alignments between science, policy and practice in the areas of brain development and its connection to addiction in order to bring about effective, comprehensive and integrated services for Alberta families.

Currently, Ms. Mannix serves on the Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions Board of Directors. She has had a long career in the charitable sector and has worked for a number of organizations, including the Calgary Health Trust and the Canada West Foundation. She has also served on numerous boards including the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute. Ms. Mannix has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of San Diego and a Juris Doctor Degree from Seattle University.

Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 14,000 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.