CALGARY - After two decades leading Alberta's largest and fastest growing community college, Sharon Cary will be stepping down from her position as President and CEO of Bow Valley College. Media are invited to join the campus community in wishing Sharon the very best in the next chapter of her life.

In 1997, Sharon was hired to lead the College through its transition from a provincially administered institution to a public board-governed college. Under her leadership, the College doubled enrolment; introduced dozens of new programs; embraced a new mandate as Calgary and region's comprehensive community college; expanded the campus including opening the new South Campus and renovated the North Campus; and substantially increased revenues, largely through entrepreneurial efforts.

Sharon began her tenure as the College President in the 90s, so we are traveling back in time to celebrate with three different dance performances by learners, farewell remarks by staff, faculty and learners, a photo booth, 90s music, cupcakes and other refreshments.

"The city, community and province owe Sharon a debt of gratitude for her steadfast commitment to providing greater access to education for all Albertans over the past two decades," said David Collyer, chair, Bow Valley College Board of Governors. "We are tremendously appreciative of Sharon's vision, passion and inspirational leadership of the College."

Sharon Carry will be succeeded by Laura Jo Gunter, who will begin her tenure at the College in January, 2017.

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Editor's Notes
Event: Totally Awesome 90s Party (Farewell to Sharon Carry)
Date: Friday, December 16, 2016
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Dance performances:
2:00 pm Prakshi Malik (Indian)
2:10 pm Julia & Lexi Whiteman (Aboriginal)
2:20 pm Yaping Cao
Location: 2nd Floor, atrium, South Campus (345 6 Ave SE)

In lieu of gifts, please consider making a gift to the 1000 Women Rising campaign.

Among her many awards and honours, Sharon has received the Alberta Centennial Medal (2005), Calgary Award for Education (2010), Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal (2011), Alberta Order of Excellence (2014), and Women's Executive Network's Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award Winner (2014). More recently, Sharon was given an honourary title and received a Blackfoot name, Niipaitapi [nee-bah-tah-pee] Askinimatstohki [es-ksee-nee-maht-stooh-kee], which means Lifelong Educator.

About Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College - Calgary and region's only Comprehensive Community College - with more than 15,000 full- and part-time students, is a leader in business and health career training, community studies, adult upgrading, and English Language Learning.