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As Â鶹ԼÅÄ celebrates 50 years of delivering education that works, a new wave of skilled graduates are headed for the province’s workforce. This week, 2,953 graduates from the Class of 2023 joined Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s thriving network of more than 53,000 alumni working and living in New Brunswick. Nine ceremonies were held across six campus communities. 

 “We know that today’s learners have many choices when it comes to post-secondary education, and we’re so thankful that these graduates chose Â鶹ԼÅÄ,” said Mary Butler, President and CEO of Â鶹ԼÅÄ. “They have enriched communities across the province as well as the Â鶹ԼÅÄ community through thousands of hours of community volunteerism and service learning. Â鶹ԼÅÄ learners contributed to hundreds of projects from fundraising for those in need, to feeding first responders fighting NB forest fires, to addressing drainage issues on an elementary school playground to reduce flooding. Our graduates demonstrate the value of education and putting their knowledge and skills to use to build stronger, more vibrant communities.”  

 As the Class of 2023 enters the workforce, their employment prospects remain promising. A graduate follow-up survey found that 92% of Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s Class of 2021 were employed one year following graduation, the highest percentage recorded over the last five years. The Class of 2019 enjoyed an employment rate of 96% three years after graduating. The survey also indicated that earning potential of Â鶹ԼÅÄ graduates continues to grow, with the average weekly earnings of 2019 grads in full-time positions related to their field of study increasing 33% over their average weekly earnings in 2020. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 “It's been a big year at Â鶹ԼÅÄ, with lots to celebrate, and the Class of 2023 has played such an important part in it,” said Butler in her address to graduates. “I see a lot of talent, style and flair sitting in front of me today – fuel it, build it, embrace it, and most importantly, continue to use your unique abilities to make the world a better place. On behalf of the entire Â鶹ԼÅÄ team, congratulations!” 

 The 2022-23 academic year has been full of milestones for Â鶹ԼÅÄ. The College received an historic $45.9 million infrastructure investment from the provincial and federal governments, launched a new five-year strategic plan, and continued its successful Going Beyond campaign to transform New Brunswick’s workforce.  

 About Â鶹ԼÅÄ: As one of New Brunswick’s largest postsecondary education institutions, Â鶹ԼÅÄ drives social and economic wellbeing across the province. Â鶹ԼÅÄ welcomes 11,000 learners each year through quality-assured, relevant training opportunities. Supported by the campaign, Â鶹ԼÅÄ is committed to accelerating skills development, innovating educational delivery, and reaching unprecedented numbers of New Brunswickers. Find out more at: . â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Media Contact: Tanya Greer, Lead, Strategic Communications â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Tel: (506) 440-9105  â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
tanya.greer@nbcc.ca â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 BACKGROUNDER: The following backgrounder provides information on valedictorians from each Â鶹ԼÅÄ Campus, as well as recipients of the 2023 Â鶹ԼÅÄ Student Excellence in Leadership awards and Governor General’s medals. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

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Fredericton Campus: Josh Saunders, Information Technology: Programmer Analyst &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

During his time at Â鶹ԼÅÄ, Josh has demonstrated tremendous commitment to his studies and embraced many of the unique learning opportunities available at the College. In 2022, Josh participated in a BOOST Prototype Camp hosted by the City of Fredericton, which led to his team taking home first place at this year’s BOOST Ideation Camp for their SmartLights Traffic Solution. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Outside of the classroom, Josh represented his program on Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s Student Union. He also volunteered his time at George Street Middle School, assisting students with their coding projects. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Miramichi Campus: Vanessa Green, Social Service Community Worker &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Originally from Jamaica, Vanessa moved to New Brunswick in 2021 to pursue her studies at Â鶹ԼÅÄ and immersed herself in the Miramichi community. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Outside of her academic commitments, Vanessa works as a Human Services Counsellor for M.O.R.E Services Inc., a local not-for-profit agency serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Vanessa is also actively involved in her community, volunteering her time to support newcomers and promote language diversity and cultural exchange with the Miramichi Regional Multicultural Association. Throughout her time at Â鶹ԼÅÄ, Vanessa has also been a mentor with Autism Resources Miramichi, volunteered at her local church, and served on the PALS Summer Camp Board of Directors. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Moncton Campus: Amrapali (Amy) Chouhan, Electrical Engineering Technology &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Amy’s Â鶹ԼÅÄ journey began in 2021 when she enrolled in Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s Electrical Engineering Technology program at the Moncton Campus. A gifted student, Amy thrived academically and overcame her shyness to embrace her local campus community. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 During her time at Â鶹ԼÅÄ, Amy has taken on the important role of Class Representative and was a member of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Moncton Student Union Executive, serving as Treasurer for the 2022-23 academic year. A natural leader, Amy planned various student fundraising initiatives and events, volunteering her time at the Moncton campus and in her community. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Saint John Campus: Donna Gift Caballero, Business Administration: Financial Management &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Donna moved to New Brunswick from the Philippines in 2021 to pursue her studies at Â鶹ԼÅÄ and fulfill her Canadian Dream. During her time with the College, Donna excelled academically while balancing the demands of a part-time job, internships, and other personal commitments. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Donna was actively involved in her campus community, serving as Class Representative for her program on the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Saint John Student Union. She also enjoyed volunteering her time, and offered her knowledge and expertise at a free Tax Clinic earlier this year. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 St. Andrews Campus: Cindy Mousseau, Personal Support Worker &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

During her time at Â鶹ԼÅÄ, Cindy demonstrated incredible commitment to her studies, embracing the Â鶹ԼÅÄ experience every step of the way. Prior to enrolling in Personal Support Worker program at the Â鶹ԼÅÄ St. Andrews Campus, Cindy spent several years working as a health care aide and caretaker. This experience, combined with her passion for serving others, inspired Cindy to further pursue her education at Â鶹ԼÅÄ. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Outside of the classroom, Cindy enjoyed volunteering with Neighbourhood Works, a non-profit organization in St. Stephen that provides services for homeless and at-risk youth. Cindy also volunteers her time to teach Sunday School at her local church. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Woodstock Campus: Jonah Roy, Information Technology: Network Administration &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Jonah has excelled academically in Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s Information Technology: Network Administration program and has embraced every opportunity to learn and develop the skills needed to pursue a career in the Information Technology sector. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Beyond his academic prowess, Jonah was actively involved in his campus community, serving as president of his Local Campus Union for the 2022-23 academic year. As president, Jonah was instrumental in shaping the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Woodstock student experience, organizing campus events and activities, and advocating on behalf of fellow students. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Student Excellence in Leadership Award Recipients  

School of Arts, Community and Protective Services: Kendra Curtis, Social Service Community Worker, Miramichi Campus &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Throughout her studies, Kendra was actively involved at her campus and in her community, serving as  Student Council Representative for the Social Service Community Worker program. She also volunteered her time at “Youth Night”, an initiative in partnership with Autism Resource Miramichi. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 School of Business, Hospitality and Tourism: Julia Halbleib, Business Administration: Management, St. Andrews Campus &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

A natural leader, Julia was actively involved in campus and community life. During her time at Â鶹ԼÅÄ, Julia represented her fellow classmates on the local Student Union, served as President of the St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce, and organized and participated in many volunteer activities. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 School of Engineering Technologies: Nick Campbell, Power Engineering Technology, Saint John Campus &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Nick served as Student Council Representative for the Power Engineering Technology program, volunteered for campus initiatives including Open Houses and high school visits, and served his community. Despite his busy schedule, Nick also found time to support his fellow classmates with their studies throughout the program. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 School of Health and Wellness: John Rey Gali, Practical Nurse, Miramichi Campus &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

A natural leader, John was actively involved at Â鶹ԼÅÄ and in the Miramichi community. During his time with the College, John held positions on both the local and provincial Student Unions, served on the Miramichi Filipino Association’s Board of Directors, volunteered for various community initiatives, and supported his fellow students. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 School of Information Technology: Dario Urdapilleta, Information Technology: Game Development, Miramichi Campus &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

Dario demonstrated tremendous leadership and commitment to his community and fellow classmates throughout his time at Â鶹ԼÅÄ. He served as Student Council Representative for the Game Development program, organized countless student events, served as president of the Miramichi Latino Association, and demonstrated an incredible willingness to help others. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

  School of Trades: Stefan Saulis, Electrical: Construction, St. Andrews Campus &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

As a mature student, Stefan found a way to prioritize his education while balancing many other commitments. While attending Â鶹ԼÅÄ, Stefan also served as a Councillor for Oromocto First Nation, volunteered his time in his community, excelled academically, and supported his fellow classmates throughout their studies. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

  School of Professional and Part-time Learning: Kit Matchett, Applied Studies Mentorship, Fredericton Campus &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

A natural leader, Kit inspired both students and instructors with his commitment to building an inclusive community at the Army Learning Support Centre. During his time in the Applied Studies Mentorship program, Kit excelled academically and took on a leadership role organizing team events, movie nights, and lunch outings for fellow classmates. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 Governor General’s Medal Recipients: &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

 School of Arts, Community and Protective Services: Robert Stenger, Early Childhood Education, Woodstock Campus and Catrina Mae Go, Social Service Community Worker, Moncton Campus  

 School of Business, Hospitality and Tourism: Allison Marie Helen Green,  Business Administration: Accounting, Fredericton Campus and Reymer San Miguel Salvador, Business Administration: Marketing, Fredericton Campus 

 School of Engineering Technologies: Yeins Alejandro Castro Avila, Building Engineering Technology: Structural, Moncton Campus 

 School of Health and Wellness: Caitlin Avery, Practical Nurse, Woodstock Campus 

 School of Information Technology: Jeffrey Brown, Information Technology – Programmer-Analyst, Fredericton Campus 

 School of Trades: Riley Smith, Mechanical Technician (Co-op), Saint John Campus