Dalhousie’s Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development (OLCD) hosted a celebration event this month to recognize learners who successfully completed certificates from 2021 to 2023.
The "Celebration of Lifelong Learning,” which took place online, offered certificate students spread around the globe a chance to come together as a community to celebrate their successes.
Dr. Kim Brooks, Dal’s provost and vice-president academic, expressed her excitement and pride in the exceptional educational experience OLCD provides.
“People increasingly need to find formal or informal ways to grow, upskill, reskill, and also feed their constant curiosity,” said Dr. Brooks. “And it seems perfect to me that this is like a culminating point.”
A transformative experience
OLCD Dean Dr. Dianne Tyers and Camile Dundas, a racial-equity consultant and OLCD instructor, delivered remarks congratulating the learners and encouraging them to continue on their path.
“We are committed to providing our learners with an environment that goes above and beyond, ensuring that they receive the highest quality of education possible and achieve their lifelong learning goals,” said Dr. Tyers.
She highlighted the value of lifelong learning as an avenue for personal growth as well.
“Lifelong learning is not only about professional development. It can also contribute to personal growth, intellectual stimulation, and self-fulfillment. It allows meeting new people, and it can also just be fun,” she said. “I would not be the person I am today and where I am today without the lifelong learning I completed.”
Dundas underscored the profound significance of lifelong learning as an investment in oneself. She emphasized that the journey is far from easy as it demands individuals to venture beyond the confines of their comfort zones and willingly confront personal challenges.
“Transformation doesn´t come without pain,” she said. “Whenever you feel crushed, under pressure, or in darkness, you must remember that you are in a powerful place of transformation. That your breakthrough is right around the corner. Your moment of change is right within your grasp if you hold on and never give up. Be an agent of change.”
Hearing student successes
Learners from Canada, the United States, Barbados, Chile, Colombia, and Paraguay also spoke at the event about the impact of OLCD’s programs on their professional and personal lives.
Michael Burfit, who established his own company after completing the certificate in Home Inspection, expressed gratitude for this experience in OLCD. Terri Mosher, who obtained the Adult Learning Fundamentals Certificate, spoke about the opportunities it provided and its instrumental role in shaping her career trajectory and professional growth. Sherry Atkins explained how the courses she took equipped her with the skill set needed to succeed in her role at the Department of Community Services.
Watch the event now: “Celebration of Lifelong Learning”
Learn more about Dal's Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development.
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