Jun 7, 2012
Four of Langara's BRM grads after receiving their degrees. From left to right: Karlo Tamondong, Courtney Cohen, Nicole Hynds, and Jeremy Quan.
Photo: KK Law.
The accomplishment was celebrated at a convocation ceremony on June 6, with the attending graduates congratulated on stage by College President Dr. David Ross. As the program is fully online it was the first time the graduating students had met in person, and they took the opportunity to celebrate the unique relationships they had developed during the course of their studies.
“One of the most memorable highlights from the BRM program would have to be the online discussions in each recreation class,” said graduate Courtney Cohen. “Throughout the semesters you connect with your classmates online, in structured discussions, but you also get to give personal examples, which allows the online learner to relate to each student on a personal level.”
The unique BRM degree combines recreation courses and business courses together into one program to build on students’ understandings of community, recreation, business, and management theory. Students also complete a “capstone” course in the final semester of their program that sees them conduct scholarly research with an agency advisor in an area that contributes to the development of the field. Courses are delivered online, in a full-time or part-time capacity, as the program is tailored to working professionals who are interested in furthering their careers in recreation.
“As a full-time employee in the field of recreation, the BRM has given me the option to get my degree in the field that I love at my own pace,” said graduate Karlo Tamondong, who currently serves as a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Langley. “In addition, the BRM is the only degree program in the Lower Mainland that solely focuses on the field of recreation and the management/business side of the field.”
The BRM is the only degree completion program (third and fourth year of a bachelor’s degree) of its kind in Canada. The graduates who attended the ceremony accompanied students graduating from Langara’s two-year Recreation Leadership Diploma Program, several of whom will go on to take the BRM degree completion program.
“We are so proud of our first BRM graduates,” said Chair of the Department of Recreation Studies Janet Ready. “These are the pioneers of the program, and we know that they will use this education to move forward in their recreation careers and to find meaningful ways of contributing to the field.”
About Langara
Langara College, located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies programs and courses to more than 23,000 students annually. The College’s expansive academic breadth and depth allow students to choose their own educational path.
The BRM graduates celebrate their convocation.
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Annie Mullins
Communications Officer
Langara College
604-323-5058
amullins@langara.bc.ca