LITTLE CURRENT—Cambrian College’s Manitoulin campus held a celebratory luncheon last Tuesday afternoon, celebrating the successes, the students, staff and the community members that have made the Island satellite a triumph for more than a quarter-century.
Sonia Del Missier, interim president of Cambrian College, explained that the day’s lunch was to recognize and show appreciation for the clients served and to thank the employers who utilize Cambrian’s services and community for their support. Ms. Del Missier also noted the learners and clients, thanking them for “choosing Cambrian.”
Ms. Del Missier acknowledged the Manitoulin staff for their dedication, admitting that there are times when the “mother ship” in Sudbury forgets the Island campus exists—a testament to the fact that the Island campus is a well oiled machine.
“We know there are sometimes problems, but you don’t view then as problem but rather as opportunities,” the acting president said.
“We extend our deepest gratitude for really allowing Cambrian to be a part of the community,” she said, giving formal recognition to Expositor publisher Rick McCutcheon, past Cambrian College board chair and also founding chair of the Manitoulin campus advisory committee. “He is such an ambassador for Cambrian College.”
Shannon Cranston, proprietor of Loco Beanz and neighbour to the campus, was invited to speak and noted the many opportunities given to her and other Manitoulin Island businesses Cambrian, especially through the Employment Options program.
“Employment Options has supported Loco Beanz Coffee House providing funds, advice and valuable information,” Ms. Cranston said. “Being able to access these programs has helped me to grow my business.”
“The staff at our Employment Options office has assisted me with questions regarding employment standards—minimum wage, holiday pay, sick time—they are a great resource for any HR questions and if they do not have the answer, they can certainly point you in the proper direction,” she continued. “We are fortunate to have the college and Employment Options available in our community. If you have not yet become familiar with these programs, you need to. They are valuable partners to help grow your business.”
Student Urban Peltier of Wikwemikong gave a moving testimony on how the Little Current campus has furthered his education into a career path. “It was really important because it gives the students a feeling of success and you don’t have to leave the Island,” he said.
Mr. Peltier said he first used Cambrian’s services for upgrading, specifically the subjects of algebra and English he needed to go to college. He told the group how staff helped him to learn these crucial disciplines, as well as positive study habits and techniques.
“Everyone at the campus helped me,” he said.
Mr. Peltier has just finished the pre-health sciences course in Sudbury this year and will enter the registered practical nurse program, also at the Sudbury campus, this fall.
The young man’s story of academic success moved the audience to a hardy round of applause.
Following an acknowledgment of the Island staff for a lovely community event by Jean Brown, interim vice president academic, and the announcement of door prize winners, the guests got down to the business of lunch and socializing. Cambrian staff say they hope to make the celebratory day an annual event.
