First of Canadore College's convocation ceremonies start today

Canadore College
News Release

********************

Canadore is holding its Convocation Ceremonies for the School of Aviation and the School of Skilled Trades on May 13.

Guest speaker Col. J.R.F. Malo, Wing Commander of 22 Wing, North Bay, will be speaking to over 200 graduates.

Col. Malo began his career in the Canadian Forces in 1982 as an Air Weapons Controller protecting Canadian and North American air sovereignty. As his career progressed, he has been actively involved in the development plans and procedures to provide military assistance to law enforcement agencies in the fight against aerial narcotic importation. Col. Malo also led the development of the first Defence Strategic Space Plan - the campaign that firmly anchored space as a separate warfare domain and that will guide all departmental space force development activities for the next 10 years. He has worked with a number of government agencies including the U.S. Air Force Space Command, the North American Aerospace Defence (NORAD), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to name a few.

Ryan Spurrell, graduate of the Aviation Technician - Aircraft Maintenance program has already secured employment. He says graduation day will be bittersweet.

"I am excited to be returning to my hometown of Haley Station, Ont. to start work next week, but I am sad to be leaving Canadore and North Bay. I loved everything about my time here - my training, my professors, the friends I made and the city too," said Spurrell. He will also be representing Canadore College and Team Ontario at the upcoming Skills Canada National Competition in Québec City, Que. from June 1 to 4.

Canadore is very proud of all its graduates for their accomplishments and for achieving their education goals. Each year, the College graduates approximately 1,000 students. Canadore has conferred over 36,000 alumni since its doors opened.

The ceremonies are being held at the Aviation Campus (55 Aviation Avenue) on May 13 at 3 p.m. The remaining Convocation Ceremonies will take place on:

May 25, 2011- Business, Communication Arts, Human Services, Information Technology

May 26, 2011 - Health Sciences, Law and Justice, Office Administration

May 27, 2011- Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Preparatory Programs, Recreation and Leisure Services

********************