Melissa Ariganello - Bachelor of Business Administration
President’s Medal for Academic Excellence and Community Service
Melissa is a graduate of the Langara School of Management. She attributes her success to the foundational knowledge and applied learning provided by the program. Her advice to students is “take advantage of internships and co-op opportunities early, gain experience and knowledge outside the classroom, and make yourself stand out.” This fall, she plans to enrol in the Masters of Arts in Strategic Public Relations Program at the University of Southern California. She hopes to intern in London (UK) next summer and pursue public relations as a career.
Natasha Peck - Certificate in Education Assistant
Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal/Langara College Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Award
The Education Assistant program has prepared Natasha with skills and strategies needed to meet the challenges of her future in education head on. The amazing staff and students she worked with have inspired her to continue her education at SFU in the Professional Linking program and to work towards achieving her dream to become an occupational therapist. She leaves this advice for future students: “Start your assignments early, end of term papers can be daunting,” and wishes good luck to graduates on their future.
Heather Nivison - Bachelor of Recreation Management
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Bachelor’s Degree)
Heather wanted to leverage her background in human kinetics into a career in community recreation. A graduate of the Recreation Management program, she earned the highest cumulative grade point average of any student in a Bachelor’s Degree program, while continuing to work full-time. She recently started a new job in the recreation field and is already working to expand her experience. She will be celebrating her academic success and milestone birthday with a trip to Peru.
Matthew Gordon - Diploma in Human Kinetics
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Arts and Science)
Matthew is both a high performance athlete and student. He tied for the highest cumulative grade point average of any student in an Arts & Science program. A Human Kinetics grad, his future plans include competing in five triathlons this season, completing his undergraduate degree at UBC, and continuing on to either graduate studies or law school. His advice to students is “by speaking up and being a part of the discussion both inside and outside the classroom, you’ll set yourself up for success on exams and in life.”
Michael Edmondson - Associate of Arts Degree
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Arts and Science)
A mature student, Michael was nervous about returning to school. Through his hard work he tied for the highest cumulative grade point average of any student in an Arts & Science program. He credits his success to the love and support of his wife and family; the kindness and mentorship of his instructors; and to his fellow students with whom he shared the journey. He is currently continuing his studies at UBC in anthropology and hopes one day to earn a PhD.
Janis Letchumanan - Diploma in Publishing
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Career) / Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Medal
Janis is a double award winner, earning the highest cumulative grade point average of any student in a Career program. She loves the mix of creativity and technical skills she gained. She credits the program for exposing her to new ideas and encouraging her to expand her creative horizons, for without it she would not have discovered her passion and aptitude for web design and development. Her advice to students is “take the time to explore your world and you’ll learn things you never dreamed you could learn about fields you never even knew existed.”
Janet Baxter - Certificate in Social Service Worker
Langara College Graduate Excellence Award (Certificate)
Janet, while initially uncertain about her suitability for social service work, earned the highest cumulative grade point average of any student in a certificate program through her hard work and perseverance. Janet hopes to use the training she has received in the Social Service Worker program to help ease suffering, build healthy community connections, and raise awareness about social justice and injustice. Janet advises students to “throw yourself into school and you will get more out of it – be a keener, ask questions, and fully engage with the curriculum.”