NSAC Students Turning Passions into Reality
AGRICULTURE/MARKETING-NSAC Students Turning Passions into Reality
Two hundred and twenty-eight students will cross the stage during Nova Scotia Agricultural College's 93rd convocation ceremony, Friday, May 1, including five master degree students. Ninety per cent of the students will be employed or pursuing further studies within six months.
Two such students are Daniel Page and Judy Brady.
Mr. Page, a native of Digby, Nova Scotia, credits his on-campus summer employment and rigorous agricultural economics degree for helping him land a position with the Royal Bank. "The professors at the college really push you to do things you may not think are possible."
Having not grown up on a farm, Mr. Page had concerns about applying for an agricultural banking position. After his interview, however, the bank felt his economic degree did not limit him to the agricultural sector and he'll begin his Royal Bank career in customer service this September.
Ms. Brady, a native of Sackville, New Brunswick, and a landscape horticulture technology graduate, has job opportunities both in and outside the Maritimes. Offered a permanent, salaried position as a plant health technician with the New York-based firm SavATree, she has instead made the move to stay and build a career here in the Maritimes. She is currently considering a position with one of the Irving families in Saint John, New Brunswick as an estate gardener.
"I've always loved to garden. It was my part-time hobby and the college has given me the skills to make it my full-time job," said Ms. Brady. "NSAC has helped me to turn a life-long passion into a profession."
Ms. Brady and Mr. Page are just two of 104 B.Sc., 13 engineering, 62 technician and 44 technology students and five graduate students to be honoured and the future looks bright.
"It's certainly a good year to graduate," said Brian Crouse, assistant dean, Career Services and Awards. For the third consecutive year, the college's Career Services Office posted a record number of job notices.
Employment activity was strong for graduating students looking for full-time positions and for returning students seeking summer work. "We had the busiest year ever and students developed wonderful job search practices this year."
Graduating will be 152 students from Nova Scotia, 35 from New Brunswick, 13 each from Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, four from Ontario and one international student.
Convocation Highlights:
Dr. Harold Chute, NSAC alumnus and honourary doctorate recipient, will address the graduating Class of 1998 during convocation ceremonies at 2 p.m. in the Langille Athletic Centre.
Two Truro-area residents will also be recognized at this year's convocation by being appointed to honourary positions. Ian Fraser will be appointed vice-principal emeritus and Dale Ells will be appointed dean emeritus reflecting the positions in which both served the college for many years.
The graduation banquet will be held on Thursday, April 30, at Keddy's Truro Inn at 7 p.m. Guest speaker, Dr. Emery Leger (veterinary medicine) New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, will deliver the address. A dance will follow for graduates and their guests.