there is always a way...adult upgrading (csc) has been tracking the success of upgrading students...

ACADEMIC UPGRADING NEWS FROM

ONTARIO’S COLLEGES

WINTER 2019

“There is always a way” How this single mom of 5 (including quadruplets),

achieved her goals.

STORY PAGE 3

TRIBUTE TO

ARLENE CRONIN PAGE 11

Since 2001, the College Sector Committee for Adult Upgrading (CSC) has been tracking the success of upgrading students who enter postsec-ondary programs. Every year, the Prepared for Success study proves the positive impact of upgrading in a college setting.

This annual study consistently shows that stu-dents who have completed upgrading at college achieve high marks in postsecondary programs, have the necessary commitment to complete their education and make the right program choices.

This year’s study shows that over 4,400 upgrading graduates enrolled in postsecondary programs in the college where they upgraded. After one se-mester in the postsecondary program of their choice, they achieved an average GPA of 3.16 and 70% re-enrolled in a second semester. Over 96% stayed in the same program.

Previous and current Prepared for Success reports are available on the CSC website at cscau.com.

Preparing for college at college helps upgrading learners feel like college students and learn like college students — not like they are going ‘back to school.’ This is an important distinction for many adults who want to leave their high school experiences behind and make a fresh start. Up-grading at college also gives them access to the same institutional supports and campus benefits that every college student enjoys, including Cen-tres for Accessible Learning, learning strategists, tutoring services, health services, counselling and much more.

College upgrading programs are also integrated with other Employment Ontario programs, giving upgrading students access to a suite of services and staff that can help them with college funding

options and applications, job search tools and training, plus personal support, guidance and encouragement.

Many upgrading programs also involve represent-atives from a variety of postsecondary programs within the college, offering information about po-tential postsecondary paths and career choices. Many students find the inspiration for their future careers this way — and make the connections they need to realize their dreams.

In this issue of CollegeMatters, you will meet col-lege upgrading students from across Ontario who have overcome a wide variety of hurdles and bar-riers. Some left school a few years ago. For oth-ers, it has been decades. For all, college upgrading programs and staff have given them much more than an education. In college upgrading, they have found strength, support, encouragement and di-rection. Many have found themselves.

—Robin MacKenzie, Editor

Prepared for success Upgrading at college prepares students to succeed in college and career

DID YOU KNOW? In 2017-2018, 4,444 upgrading graduates enrolled

in postsecondary programs* — an increase of 19% over the previous year.

+19% OVER PREVIOUS

YEAR

INCREASE OF

4,444 2017-2018

UPGRADING GRADS IN POSTSEC

*In the same college where they upgraded.

SOURCE: Prepared For Success, College Sector Committee

for Adult Upgrading, 2019.

COLLEGEMATTERS | WINTER 2019 | PAGE 1

”

“I enrolled in Sault College’s Academic Upgrad-ing program because I never finished high school. It was not until recently that I discovered the joy and love that comes out of learning.

When I was younger, learning anything new was always a struggle. By the time I reached high school, I had difficulties reading and writing; and it seemed no matter how hard I tried, I could not succeed. I dropped out at the beginning of grade eleven.

After some poor life choices, I realized that I wanted to have a career that I could enjoy for the rest of my life.

I was prepared to do anything to get into the Fitness and Health Promotion Program at Sault College. And that meant enrolling in Academic Upgrading. Starting my upgrading was definitely a challenge for me given my past with education. But I was determined to buckle down and do whatever it took.

At first, I probably asked the professors twenty million questions in the first five minutes. Slowly, I started to get the hang of the programs and teaching my brain little tricks to remember certain information.

The professors were always so helpful and never gave up on me, even when they had to explain the same thing repeatedly. One of them created inspirational quotes and handed them out to each student after completing a test. It’s amazing how something so small could make such a huge im-pact on me. I still have some of them!

The Academic Upgrading faculty helped me pass all the prerequisite courses I needed and I was accepted into the Fitness and Health Promotion Program at Sault College in September, 2017.

Upgrading gave me the training and tools I need to study and retain information. When I started college full time in the fall of 2017, I was ready and confident. I passed the first semester with not just good grades, but exceptional grades!

So many people have that little voice in their heads saying, ‘You can’t do it.’ You just have to jump in and give it your all. You will surprise yourself. I surprise myself every day.

I would have never dreamed in a million years that I would understand anatomy and physiology; but here I am taking the second course in this content area — and enjoying it. I’m confident that I’ll be graduating from Health and Fitness Promotion in 2021 and have a bright future ahead of me!” —Kiara

Academic fitness training

Upgrading helped Kiara learn how to learn —

and that made all the difference


”

“I had a rough family history when I was going through high school. Before entering grade nine, I had just moved back from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and had to adjust to life back in Canada. I was bullied and just couldn’t fit in. At home, it had always been a difficult situation. I ended up quit-ting school in grade 11. I decided I could not live at home anymore and rented a room and started working. I was 17.

Financially, it was difficult, and I decided to go back to school and try to finish up at 18. I would go to high school in the day, but had to buy a car in order to commute to school and my night job in a restaurant. By the time I finished work and drove home 4-5 nights a week it was close to 2am. My grades reflected the lack of sleep and stability. My mother and her husband were alcoholics and life at home was difficult. I did my best to make it through the 12th grade but it just wasn’t going to happen.

I abandoned my dream of going to college for nursing and decided to work. I felt it may be temporary, but I just kept getting older and, as time went by, it felt more and more awkward to attend high school the traditional way. I got married at 21 to escape the problems at home.

My marriage was abusive and lasted only two years. I left him and got a great entry-level corpo-rate job in the food industry. Within 5 years, I was thriving — travelling all over North America.

I then met and married a chiropractor. We decid-ed that I would leave my job and work with him to grow from one clinic to a total of eight clinics. In that time I had two pregnancies, resulting in five children (including my quadruplets).

After 6 years, we separated and eventually di-vorced. On my own with no child support, I dug into my savings and went back to school, earning my real estate licence and joining a brokerage. Unfortunately, being a real estate agent with

five small children and no support just wasn’t workable. I was at another crossroads.

I wanted to use this time to upgrade my high school marks and add the courses I would need to qualify for the more in-demand programs like nursing. But attending classes on campus while managing my family life seemed impossible. Then I found out about the ACE Distance Program.

I have always been a person to follow through on what I start. Seeing that I needed to upgrade and having the ACE Distance Program available to me made it an easy decision to buckle down and get it done.

My biggest challenge was finding the time and the quiet to do the assignments and continue assisting my 5 children with their own homework while keeping the household running.

ACE Distance was the answer. I found the plat-form easy to navigate once I got the hang of it. And the professors were wonderful. I chipped away at the assignments, even if I only found 20 minutes to spare, and logged on everyday if possi-ble. That’s how I made it through.

ACE Distance gave me the flexibility I needed and the confidence that I am not too old to learn.

Like many people, I had unfortu-

nate circumstances earlier in life.

But whatever your challenges are

and the reasons that you couldn’t

complete high school, there is

always a way to go back and

improve yourself.

If I can do it, I think anybody with drive and determination can also do it. Another great benefit — I can now help my 9th grader with his math!” —Danielle

Cover story: “There is always a way” Danielle upgraded her way — with ACE Distance


“I moved back to North Bay about three years ago after living in Ottawa for five years. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life anymore or even where to start.

I had been through a lot in Ottawa, in my profes-sional and personal life. Coming back to North Bay, I mostly felt like a failure. It had never been my intention to return to the small town where I used to think there were no possibilities.

Fast-forward two years and I finally felt like I had the motivation to make my life something I could really be happy with. I’ve always had an interest in nursing in the back of my mind, and so I decided to make being a nurse a goal for my future.

I contacted the academic advisor of the Academic Upgrading Program (AU) and, next thing you know, I’m upgrading.

I needed to complete the admission requirements and upgrade my marks for the Practical Nursing Program (PN). I was a little nervous to start, afraid I might lose motivation. But, after the first couple of months, I felt a weight off my mind, knowing that I was actually going somewhere.

The program was great and I obtained the ACE Certificate! It gave me an amazing foundation of knowledge for me to start the PN program.

The staff in the AU program were always sup-portive and accommodating, and, as long as they see that you want to be there, they want to help you succeed.

So don’t be nervous, don’t doubt

yourself, just do the work. Before

you know it, you’ll be somewhere

that might have seemed impossi-

ble to you not long before.

Thanks to the faculty and staff of the AU program for helping me open new doors and helping me to make something of myself.” —Joey

“Before you know it, you’ll be somewhere that might have seemed impossible.”


DID YOU KNOW? In 2016, only 55% of Canadians aged 25-64 who

did not complete high school were employed.

For those with a postsecondary credential, the employment rate was 82%

82% EMPLOYED

WITH POSTSECONDARY

55% EMPLOYED

INCOMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL

SOURCE: Education indicators in Canada: An international perspective. Statistics Canada. December 2017.

”

One of the unique advantages of preparing

for college at college is the support system

that colleges provide. ACE upgrading

students have access to services no other

upgrading program can provide — and

these supports have helped CFR Gael

succeed. This her story.

“I want to be a social worker.

After a 23 year military career ended in permanent physical disabilities, returning to school was not something I had really considered possible. Not only did I have a long recovery and rehabilitation process, I also left an extremely abusive marriage after 7 years.

Had it not been for the support from a variety of people who worked with me throughout these challenges in my life, I would not be where I am today. And since I can never repay them for everything that they did for me, I want to pay it forward and help others.

Now here I am… going back to school. I enrolled in Academic Upgrading at Algonquin College with a long-term goal in mind. I plan to get my Master’s degree in Social Work in order to special-ize in two different fields: Disabled Veterans & Domestic Violence. This will allow me the oppor-tunity to help other disabled veterans and women and children in the process of leaving their own abusive situations.

The biggest hurdle was my traumatic brain injury. I have issues with memory loss and cognitive deficits. I was worried that I would not be able to learn at a post-econdary level.

My experience in Academic Upgrading has proven that I am capable of learning and excel-ling. My teachers have been very supportive and encouraging. They work with me to understand any portion of the work I might be struggling with. As a student with a disability, I have also been able to get extra time for tests and exams through the Center for Accessible Learning (CAL). The college also offers tutoring services as well as learning strategists.

The unique delivery of the Academic Upgrading program at Algonquin College means that I can work at my own pace. I worked ahead quickly in some sections which meant I had extra time on more challenging sections. There are set time lines to reach specific goals within the curriculum; however, they are attainable.

I’ve had to overcome some pretty big hurdles to come back to school, but I’m proud of myself for doing it. I’ve been in the academic upgrading program for 9 months now. I’m confident about my choice to come back to school after 31 years.

I know without a doubt that I have what it takes to succeed, and I will move on to achieve a post-secondary education.” —CFR Gael

Gunning for grad school ACE is helping CFR Gael move from military to Masters

CFR GAEL’S SERVICE DOG, “GUNNY”


Gail Hamilton came into the upgrading pro-gram after her husband passed away from cancer. She was dealing with a sense of loss and didn't know where she was going or even who she was.

She grew up in a very unhealthy environment and became a teen mom at 14. That made education very difficult, so she never pursued it. After her husband died, it occurred to her that she had no idea what her potential was. So she found the courage to come and see what the upgrading program at Confederation College was all about.

The first person she met in the upgrading pro-gram was Kelly Maunula, one of the Coordina-tors. As Gail says, “From the moment I walked into Kelly's office, she and everyone else in the program saw something in me that I never was able to see. And with their support and kindness, it started to come out.”

When Gail first entered the classroom, she was terrified. She lives with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and that makes new experiences pretty overwhelming. She sat where she could bolt out the door at any minute.

Her math teacher made it easier for her. Every single day, John Kimball would find something nice to say about everyone and she found that she was coming to class just to hear what he was going to say to each student. He also was instru-mental in teaching her the math that she thought

she was unable to learn. What she found most difficult, ultimately, was “learning to believe in myself the way they believed in me.”

When she first came to upgrading, her goal was to “find where I fit in this world and be what I always wanted to be, which was educated.” Ini-tially, that meant getting her ACE Certificate/Grade 12 Equivalency. As she felt her confidence and self-esteem growing, she realized that she could dream bigger — and that postsecondary was possible for her.

She is now in her fourth semester in the Social Service Worker program at Confederation College and has a 4.0 GPA. She is also a peer mentor at the college and volunteers at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in the ER.

In Gail's words, “I don't think I can accurately describe how much the Academic Upgrading program has helped me in being successful in the Social Service Worker program. When I start to think I can't do something, I think of the people in the Upgrading program and remember their support and belief in me, and this helps me re-member I am smart and can do this.”

“I needed to believe in myself they way they believed in me.”

from Confederation College


After a four-year break in his schooling, Jesse made the decision to return. His long-term goal was enrollment in the Fish and Wildlife Techni-cian program at the Frost Campus of Fleming College in Lindsay. However, having left high school early, he did not meet the entry require-ments for the program.

After looking at learning options in the communi-ty, Jesse opted to enroll in the Academic Upgrad-ing program at the Frost campus in January 2018 to complete his required Mathematics credit. He also registered with an online institution to obtain his Gr. 12 English credit.

Jesse began both programs concurrently. But, after a month, he decided to switch his whole program to Academic Upgrading. “The classroom environment with faculty there to help you through tough questions and difficult concepts made the choice to shift all of my coursework to Academic Upgrading an easy one,” he says. The Academic Upgrading classroom also exposed him to different teaching styles with various faculty and helped him become comfortable in the College environment.

Upgrading faculty also linked Jesse with other community resources such as the local employ-ment services advisor for job search assistance.

After completing his Academic Upgrading courses in late summer 2018, Jesse was accepted into the Fish and Wildlife program in September 2018.

Jesse stated that the learning expectations and topics covered in the Academic Upgrading coursework set him up for a successful first semester in post-secondary, allowing him to finish with an impressive 3.5 GPA.

It’s all about the environment Upgrading at college

helped Jesse land the

college program of his

dreams — and ace his

first semester

from Fleming College


“I’ve had the pleasure of using the services at the Community Career and Employment Services (CCES) and Fanshawe campus in Simcoe off and on for ten years. I needed help to find a job, up-grade to get into college, and emotional support through it all.

In the past, all you needed to find a job was fill out an application, drop it off, wait for the call back and go to the interview. Now you need a cover letter, a resume and the basic knowledge of computers. CCES helped me navigate the stages of job searching that I was unaware of at the time.

When I needed a change and made the decision to go to school, Tracey McIntyre from Fan-shawe’s Academic Upgrading program helped with my upgrading and skills development. Sheila Porteous helps with job searching and filling out applications. Kate Kraushaar has led me through many programs to help with resumes, cover let-ters and the interviewing process.

I am currently a full time student at Fanshawe College in the SSW program. I look forward to finishing the course and starting a new phase in my life as a Social Service Worker.” —Heather

Working together works: upgrading + employment services

Heather has been a client/learner with Fanshawe’s Employment Ontario programs (Employment Services & Literacy and Basic Skills) since 2010, accessing services to: job search effectively and secure full time employment; research and apply for retraining including funding; and complete skills upgrading for college preparation.

PROGRAM DATE SERVICE / OUTCOME

LBS June 2009-July 2009 Sample GED / GED application

ES September 2010-March 2011 Assisted services including Job Search Workshop Series and use of Resource & Information Secured full time seasonal employment @ Unilever

ES October 2014-February 2015 Assisted services for Job Search / Skillshops while on layoff from seasonal position @ Unilever

LBS November 2014-Feburary 2015 Computer and Writing Skills for Employment

ES June 2018-September 2018 Retraining options – accepted to SSW @ Fanshawe Simcoe, approved for OSAP funding

LBS July 2018-September 2018 Academic Upgrading / College preparation


”

Danica entered the Academic Upgrading program at Northern College in 2016 with a specific goal — to qualify for the Instrumentation program. While she had dropped out of school 20 years prior, she didn’t lack ambition and ability. But she was lacking the courses needed to gain entrance into her postsecondary program of choice.

“Initially, I found it a bit of a struggle because I found it difficult to read and interpret what I was reading,” she says. “I found it difficult to teach myself math from a textbook. But, because of the great support from the teachers, I was able to learn new strategies.”

Danica has learning difficulties. Back in high school, she struggled to understand what she was reading — especially when it came to technical information. Without the diagnostic and support services she needed to help identify and accom-modate her learning challenges, she “felt stupid. And, as a result, I just didn’t go to school half the time.”

Upgrading in the college environment offered Danica those support services and so much more.

“After acquiring new strategies to help me learn, I began to love the program. I realized that had learned to compensate for what I didn’t know over the years. When I actually learned how to do things properly, I acquired the skills I needed to succeed in the Instrumentation program. Upgrad-ing also prepared me well with self-discipline, which helped with the program’s pace.”

Danica says that preparing for college at college allowed her to benefit from all the things that other students at Northern had.

“It helped me to feel like I was part of the greater college community. Learning at the college helped me understand how I could access the services I needed when I came back and officially entered my first year of my college program.”

Danica has already set her sights on yet another goal. “I’d like to work with OPG ideally, one day, and possibly bridge to Lambton University’s Instrumentation and Control Engineering Tech-nologist program.”

Many students who have not completed their Grade 12 equivalency see the prospect of going back to school as an insurmountable obstacle. Especially when they’ve been out of school for a long time, have family commitments, and are even required to hold down a full time job. Danica doesn’t see it this way any longer.

“This program makes what seems

impossible, possible because of

the flexibility of the program and

support you receive from the staff

in achieving your goals.

I don’t know that I would have been as successful as I have been in the Instrumentation Program had I not completed the Upgrading program.”

Strategy + skills + support = success Upgrading at college gave

Danica the winning formula

from Northern College


”

“I dropped out of high school even though I was only missing a few classes. I never graduated.

After leaving school, I jumped between kitchen and automotive jobs. I met my husband in 2013 and discovered my passion for cooking. After I had my daughter in 2014, I didn’t think it was possible to go back to school.

Then, in 2016, I decided it was time to prove to myself and my family that I could do it. I enrolled in the Academic Upgrading Program at Sault College.

In one of the program’s monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions, where faculty from college programs share information on courses and careers, I met Chef Healey and Chef B from the Culinary Arts Program. I knew right then where I wanted to be. I pushed myself to finish my up-grading , was accepted into Sault College’s Culi-nary Management program, and began my first semester in 2017.

In March, 2018, I was honored to receive the Canada Cutlery, Inc. award for showing leader-ship skills and potential in my program. I’m excited to be graduating with my Culinary Management diploma this spring and putting all my knowledge to use in the real world.

I want to show my daughter that once she finds a passion and puts her mind to something, she can achieve anything. Just like her mom.

If there’s one thing I can say about upgrading and college, it’s this: Don’t second-guess your abilities. Put forth every ounce of effort to suc-ceed. Hard work and persistence do pay off!

The faculty and staff in Academic Upgrading helped me discover my dream career of becoming a chef and provided me with the support I need-ed to enroll in college. They still check in with me on occasion to see how I’m doing — even though I’ve finished upgrading.” —Samantha

Now Samantha’s career is cooking


”

Our colleague, friend, and founding ACE Distance Program Director, Arlene Cronin, passed away on November 25, 2018. Arlene was a lifelong adult educator, a devoted wife, and a strong, caring woman. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some memories and tributes to Arlene’s life and career.

When I first met Arlene in 2001, I was immediately struck by her knowledge, her no-nonsense approach, and of course, her sense of humour and love of life and friends. In recent years, Arlene experienced on-going and worsening health issues, particularly debilitating arthritis, but she never let her physical challenges diminish her amazing spirit. I will always admire that.

Arlene first joined the CSC as a consultant and project manager in 2002, following her retirement from an illustrious and successful career at St. Law-rence College where she both taught and spent many years as a dean and curriculum expert. Arlene was instrumental in the development of the colleges’ Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) Program through 2002 to 2004, and subsequently she and Lynne Wallace built the ACE Distance program, launched in 2007. As the founding ACE Distance Program Director, Arlene sustained the program, grew it, and tirelessly supported the ACE Distance team for 11 years, right up to the time of her death. Her intelligence and tenacity, along with a wonderful sense of humour, motivated and supported her colleagues.

As one of the ACE Distance staff commented, “Arlene was our incredible boss, mentor and friend. I am so proud to have been part of her team. I am so blessed to have known her.” Arlene treated her team as she liked to be treated: with respect, humour, support, and appreciation.

In memoriam: Arlene Cronin

By Barb Glass


”

In recent years, I accompanied Arlene to many meetings in Toronto. Despite her declining mobili-ty, she was determined to travel by train from Kingston to Toronto to contribute and move the ACE Distance agenda forward. She would navigate downtown Toronto on a cane or a scooter (never a wheelchair) with unfailing tenacity.

One of our ACE Distance colleagues described Arlene as a “foodie.” “She made our meetings, dinners, and conferences that much more delightful with how she intentionally spoiled us. Remember the huge chocolate cake at her house?” Arlene not only loved cooking for family; she also loved treat-ing her ACE Distance family with her culinary skills and hospitality whenever the group met in Kingston.

Arlene and her husband, Tom, were married for almost 50 years; and he always enjoyed co-hosting the ACE Distance team at those annual dinners at their home. Occasionally, Tom would join Arlene on a trip to Toronto. I had the great pleasure witnessing the love and care that he and Arlene sustained for each other.

In addition to her post-retirement work with the CSC and ACE Distance, Arlene had a long associa-tion with Kingston Literacy and Skills. She served as a Board member for many years and was a devot-ed supporter of KLS’ programs and events.

To that end, the CSC provided a donation to KLS in memory of Arlene’s passion for adult education and bettering the lives of those who needed a leg-up.

Among the many comments and memories that I received after Arlene passed, one in particular illustrated the huge heart and open mind that both Arlene and Tom demonstrated.

“I do not know how many of you know that Arlene and Tom went to Sunday Mass at the church where penitentiary inmates attend. After Mass, there was always coffee and sandwiches and fellowship.

Arlene and Tom reached out to many prisoners, helping them get their life back on track. I can pic-ture Arlene there, can’t you? She would have been engaged as equally in conversation with prisoners as she was with government officials and persons of

'import' at the various meetings where I was witness to Arlene's intellectual ability to cut to the chase, hit the nail on the head, and get the ball rolling for the students, for the teachers, for everyone. “

The CSC has lost two cornerstones in the past few years: Lynne Wallace, founder and long-time E.D. of the CSC; and Arlene Cronin, founding ACE Distance Program Director. Some of us have com-mented recently that Lynne and Arlene are probably smiling down on those of us who continue their legacy.

I’ll close this tribute with another quote from one of the ACE Distance team members which captures so clearly what may people remember about Arlene:

“It is impossible to comprehend that a life force such as Arlene is now gone. We will always be grateful, thankful and appreciative of her mentor-ing, caring and continuing efforts to move ACE Distance ahead. She leaves a legacy and a spot that seems impossible to fill. Her message to us, I am certain, would be, ‘Continue ACE Distance and the job we are doing.’ We won't let her down.”

Arlene, thank you for the wisdom, support, humour and friendship that you shared so willingly with me and with many, many others. We miss you. —Barb


”

From ACE Distance Staff

To me, Arlene was a role model, a person I want-

ed to be when I grow up. To me, she was the

mother I didn't have in Canada. She appeared to

have so much mental stamina that it was enviable.

I loved her for her directness and strength, for her

empathy and warmth. I loved her sense of hu-

mour; it always made me lough when she'd say:

"I don't give a rat's a** about.... (I think this is

going to be censored out :). I loved her. Period.

I miss her.

I think of Arlene often. I think of our staff dinner

at her home, last June; the warmth, the lively con-

versation - after a long day together, working - the

genuineness, the energy - after that long work day,

to cook for all of us - the intelligence - awakening

each of us to see the bigger picture - even as we

laughed and joked about everyday things shared

by Arlene through her glass half full! vision of life

- awakening each of us to the possibilities, the

directions - for ACE Distance and for each of us,

in both our professional and private lives.

I still expect to hear her laugh, experience her

genuine and sweet kindness and to feel bathed in

that love and warmth that she exuded. I am so

thankful to have known her and to have had the

pleasure of being with her, enjoying and appreci-

ating her humour, sharp but witty tongue and

great intelligence! The hole that she leaves cannot

be mended, but by continuing what we do, we

continue her legacy, promote her values and help

to give others a “leg up”.

She was a wonderful, humorous and spirited

leader. She will be missed by us all.

Arlene was such an intelligent person who made a

mark in this world both through her career and

through her relationships.


”

Her stories and her laugh made me find hope for

my future. I gain strength from knowing that we,

this team, have been all been together, even

though geographically separate.

Arlene was a champion for the learners, regardless

of age, stage, or ability. She stood up for them

when they couldn't do so for themselves. Arlene's

presence on our team, to our learners and the

province will be dearly missed, but what she

taught us has made us that much more ready to

continue her good work.

From other colleagues

I can’t help but think of how much Arlene’s

work permeates what we do. She will be

greatly missed.

Arlene was such a cornerstone of the CSC.

She will be missed.

Arlene has been a mainstay of upgrading and the

CSC; it’s hard to imagine that she’s not going to

be part of our lives anymore.

Arlene was a rock and an institution among us.

Arlene had such great impact. Her passing is

a loss to the CSC and all her friends.

Arlene was always so passionate in the belief

that everyone should have access to Adult

Upgrading, and she worked so tirelessly for

this to be true. She was a great colleague and

friend and will be missed by many.

I'll always remember fondly how much liveliness

she brought to our CSC meetings. Let's raise a

toast (with a margherita) in her memory!

Arlene is leaving a legacy through the many

students and colleagues who benefitted from

her efforts and mentoring.

Arlene’s kindness and generosity of mind and

spirit will stay with me always. As will her infec-

tious laugh. Every time I board the train to

Toronto, I will look for her.

A bright light in our organization has been

dimmed.

I know that we have all lost a very fine person and

colleague. Arlene was truly also a friend to many

in the educational circles in which she invested so

much of her passion and energy. Arlene’s com-

mitment to literacy and its practitioners was so

evident right to the end.

Her passion for education and her positive spirit

will be missed but always remembered as one of

the eChannel builders.

I will miss Arlene's naughty wit, generosity, and

intelligent discourse.

I knew Arlene for many years. She was always a

great wit and so professional.

Arlene was a committed and caring educator who

deeply cared for the students.

In addition to being intelligent and committed,

she also had a great sense of humour!

It is hard to imagine Arlene is not with us any-

more. She was involved in the field for so many

years and brought such expertise to the table. She

was quite the character and always had us chuck-

ling. Such a loss for our world and a gain for the

hereafter. She will be so missed!


CSC | 20 BAY STREET, SUITE 1600 | TORONTO ON M5J 2N8 | cscau.com | acedistancedelivery.ca

CollegeMatters is a publication of the College Sector Committee for Adult Upgrading (CSC), a not-for-profit support organization represent-ing academic upgrading programs and staff in Ontario’s 24 public colleges. The CSC adminis-ters the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE), a recognized grade 12 equivalent certifi-cate program provided on campus and online.

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario through The Canada-Ontario

Job Fund Agreement.

INSPIRATION | EDUCATION | INNOVATION

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