
The CNIH was proud to celebrate its eighth convocation on March 28th, 2011 at Ben Franklin Place Council Chambers. Thirty-six Graduates were presented their Diploma in Dental Hygiene in the room filled with proud parents, friends and invited guests.
CNIH Program Coordinator, Nanette Feil-Megill acted as the Master of Ceremonies and welcomed the new graduates as colleagues in the profession. James Keslassy, CNIH President, stated the significant milestones achieved throughout the past 18 months at CNIH, and welcomed our VIP dignitaries.
Keynote speaker, Michael Read, Ph.D, on behalf of The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker of the Senate delivered the speech given the dissolution of the 40th Parliament resulted in sudden changes in plans for Parliamentarians. He concluded with the suggestion to our graduates to “find the time to engage in some form of public service, from running for public office, which includes federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as school boards and committees, to volunteering with charitable service groups. Participation in public service is ultimately working for the common good and there are many ways in which to participate. Public service is inherently rewarding and I encourage all of you to exercise your right to participate to the fullest. “
Special Recognition Awards:
Deans Award of Excellence presented to Emily Fung by Nanette Feil-Megill, CNIH Program Director. This award goes to the student with the best aggregate score in theory courses and who consistently strives for excellence.
Golden Scaler Award presented to Angela Metcalf by Fiona McGregor, CNIH Program Coordinator. This award goes to the student who has demonstrated outstanding proficiency in Client Care.
Canadian Dental Hygiene Award presented to Melissa McCrae by Kathleen Feres Patry, RDH Awarded on the recommendation of the Academic Advancement Committee to a graduating student who is a member of the CDHA and who, during the program has shown outstanding qualities in leadership, scholarship, professionalism and humanity.
Canadian Award of Excellence in Public Health presented to Christelle Plonka by Ann Wiseman-Raymond, CNIH Pre-clinic Coordinator. This award goes to the student who has demonstrated outstanding qualities and interest in the discipline of community health.
Following the convocation, our participating dignitaries posed for a photo. From Left to right:
Dr. Wilbert J. Keon, O.C., M.D., F.R.C.S. – Board Chair, Champlain Local Health Integrated Network
Dr. P.S. Bhoi, MD, FRCPC, FACP – Specialist Physician, Care Medics, Ottawa
James Keslassy, DD – President, CNIH
Michael Read, PhD, Senior Policy Advisor to the Honourable Noël A. Kinsella
Ann Wright, RDH, M.B.A – (Acting) Executive Director, The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association
Ottawa City Councilor – Katherine Hobbs
Ottawa City Councilor – Mathieu Fleury
Jeff Cuffe, B.Sc., CCPE – Director of Program Development, CNIH