Camosun School of Access awards
Students who pass through the School of Access, whether it’s for academic upgrading, Aboriginal Education, ESL, or career exploration, often experience transformation beyond their wildest dreams. But stories of how we touch hearts and change lives are best told in our students’ own words.
For example, Les says, “Jill, my first teacher, found the person inside me that I didn’t know existed. She supported me, and encouraged me, and believed in me; Sharon gave me a perspective on literature and taught me to express myself on paper; the two ladies in the Help Centre—I couldn’t have gotten through without them—challenged me to think deeper and made me do the work. Here I am today winning an award at college...it goes to show that if you have willingness and a great supportive team of people who believe in you, anything is possible. I love this college. ”
Congratulations to all the students who worked so hard in their studies and, through perseverance, courage and exceptional ability , rose to their instructors’ expectations (and, perhaps, exceeded their own).
Thank you to our donors and to the Camosun College Foundation for generously funding the Access awards, allowing us to acknowledge and support the following exceptional students.
- John T. Quocksister
Songhees Nation / Camosun College Affiliation Award
established through Songhees Nation and Camosun College agreement
Awarded to Songhees Nation funded students who achieve success in their studies and demonstrate commitment to their community. - Sandrea Sampson
Saanich Indian School Board Award
sponsored by Saanich Indian School Board
Awarded to SISB funded students who achieve success in their studies and demonstrate commitment to their community. - Jeremy Gallie, Rose Jones and Kayla Payton
Pamela Vickers Achievement Award
established by David H. and E. Patricia Vickers, parents of Pamela Vickers who died in 1990 when she was a student
Awarded to Employment Training and Preparation (ETP) students who demonstrate an ability to apply acquired skills in a work environment, motivation and determination to face the challenge of their lives, sensitivity and concern for the lives of others, and a willingness to share what their life may have to offer to colleagues, associates, workmates, family and others with whom they may interact. - Chris Marks
Executive Network Inc/Donald Family Annual Leadership Award
established in 1998 in memory of Walter Donald‘s grandfather, William, to recognize leadership “despite the odds”.
Awarded to Camosun students who have overcome exceptional circumstances to achieve their goals, and who also have demonstrated strong leadership. - Karen D’sa and Evan Reid
Greater Victoria Citizen Advocacy Award
established in 2009 by the Greater Victoria Citizen Advocacy Society which was an integral part of Victoria’s social programs from 1975 to 2008
Awarded to ETP students who contribute in a meaningful and positive way to the classroom and are distinguished by their kindness or caring behaviour. - Janice Elliott and Tammy Pearce
Lynne Richards Scholarship
established by Lynne Richards, former ABE Instructional Assistant, who for 22 years provided encouragement and assistance to adults who returned to college to upgrade their education
Awarded to an Academic Upgrading student who demonstrates personal determination to succeed, achieves academic excellence and plans to pursue an education at a university or university level course. - Les Arcand and Randy Cooper
Chuck Dowdeswell Award
established by retired instructor, Chuck Dowdeswell
Awarded to Academic Upgrading students who demonstrate academic success while conquering adversity through diligence. - Victor Saldana
Joan Hosty Memorial Award
established by various donors including Joan’s family
Awarded to ELD students who attend class regularly, encourage and interact with other students, demonstrate commitment and dedication to improving their English, and plan to continue to study. - Yunfei (Kristy) Bai and Kuan-Wen (Kevin) Chan
Camosun College International Award
sponsored by Camosun College International
Awarded to International ELD students who actively participate and interact in class and community, are role models to other students, demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to learning English, and successfully complete one or more levels within a semester. - Dan Mack and Ann-Marie Livingstone
Tsa Qwa Supp Award for Nuu-Chah-Nulth Students
established by the Art Thompson legacy and BC Hydro
Awarded to Nuu-Chah-Nulth students who achieve success in their studies and demonstrate commitment to their community. - Carol Hartman and Melissa Nute
Métis Nation British Columbia Award
established by Métis Nation BC
Awarded to Métis Nation students who achieve success in their studies and are citizens of, and show commitment to, the Métis Nation BC. - Shyanne Peter
‘In the Spirit of Laughter’ Award
established in 2009 by Kathleen Sun
Awarded to Indigenous Studies students to recognize the contribution that good spirit and community building make to education. - Geoffrey Hughes, Chris Marks and John T. Quocksister
Joan Looy Award
established by anonymous donor
Awarded to BEST program students who demonstrate motivation and perseverance in response to the challenges in their lives, strive to overcome barriers, demonstrate a strong sense of belief in self and are committed to personal advancement. - Wen Ling Fan, Olga Krylatova, Maggie Mae Landrito and Tae Young (Jackie) Lee
ELD Merit Award
sponsored by various donors
Awarded to ELD students who demonstrate hard work, classroom leadership, and the ability to work as part of a team, dedication to their studies with continued progress, and show enthusiasm about their ESL studies. - Yanjie (Jenny) Sun and Rong Bing (Emma) Zhang
ELD Writer’s Award
established by various donors
Awarded to ELD students who write, according to specifications, a well-written paragraph or essay. - Vicki Christianson, Christine La Vallee and Tacita Lewis
Adult Basic Education Association of British Columbia (Abe Abc) Award
sponsored by ABE ABC
Awarded to ABE students who commit to attendance, quality of work and schooling; show significant success in meeting academic goals; overcome significant personal, social or institutional obstacles to pursue education; and demonstrate involvement with, and concern for, peers. - Deepika Rawat
Brett and Grant L. Fisher Memorial Award
established by Grant L. Fisher family (Camosun’s first President to honour their son Brett, who as a teenager, was tragically killed in a bicycle-car accident. Grant Fisher passed away in 2004
Awarded to high standing, full-time College Preparatory students who plan to continue to a post secondary program and demonstrates service to the College community or community at large. - Frezine Lafortune and Brenda Wainwright
First Unitarian Church Of Victoria Award
established in 2007 by First Unitarian Church of Victoria
Awarded to Aboriginal students in either a Health or Trades program who are doing well and have overcome obstacles to return to school. - Karen Whetung
First Nations Studies Achievement Award
established by the Dorothy Price Treasure Box legacy
Awarded to the highest achieving, full-time Camosun College student in a First Nations-specific program. - Johnny Loglisci and Krista Martin
Colin Montesano Memorial Award
established by Leikny Montesano to celebrate life of Colin Montesano, instructor
Awarded to Math students who as a result of sacrifice, hard work and exceptional effort, achieve a minimum ‘B’ grade. - Tammy Bill, Rhea Doolan and David Spinks
‘Moving Forward’ Award
established by anonymous donor
Awarded to School of Access students in good standing who are transitioning to a career or academic program and demonstrate a commitment to student community. - Susan Bartleman, Irene Ko and Rochelle Warren
‘Way To Go’ Award
sponsored by various donors
Awarded to Academic Upgrading students who complete one or more levels/courses; achieve their goal(s) despite overwhelming health, financial, or personal obstacles; and exhibits a kind and generous spirit. - Lorna Fraser
Canadian Federation of University Women (Saanich Peninsula) Award
established in 2009 by CFUW (Saanich Peninsula)
Awarded to First Nations female students who achieve high academic success in their studies and who are enrolled in the final year of a degree, university transfer or professional studies program at Camosun College (preference to women from the Saanich Peninsula). - Lisa Ordell
University of Victoria Office of Indigenous Affairs Award
established in 2009 by UVic Office of Indigenous Affairs
Awarded to Camosun College Aboriginal students who are transferring to them University of Victoria (preference to an Indigenous program). - Chris Marks
Annual Leadership Award
established in 1998 in memory of Walter Donald‘s grandfather, William, to recognize leadership “despite the odd”.
Awarded to Camosun students who have overcome exceptional circumstances to achieve their goals, and who also have demonstrated strong leadership.
Mission Statement
The School of Access offers adult learners quality educational programs and services that provide the skills for further studies and for enhanced participation in the economic and social life of their communities.
