71-Year-Old Graduate Inspires Northern College Class of 2024
71-Year-Old Graduate Inspires Northern College Class of 2024
Bradley Davis proves it’s never too late to achieve a new goal
HAILEYBURY, ON: Northern College proudly celebrates its graduating Class of 2024, with 1,375 graduates at 8 convocation ceremonies, including Bradley Davis, a 71-year-old graduate and recipient of several achievement awards from the Mining Engineering Technician program. His journey is a testament to lifelong learning and determination, earning him multiple accolades during the graduation ceremony at the Haileybury Campus.
Davis was honoured with the HSMAA Mining Graduate Award, the Penwood Mines Book Prize for general proficiency, and the prestigious Gold Medal in Mining for achieving the highest academic standing in the program. The College distributed $240,750 in scholarship and award monies to 231 recipients at its graduations, with over $2 million dollars being handed out this academic year.
Reflecting on his favorite movie quote from Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy living or get busy dying,” Davis emphasized how optimism has guided him through many life challenges. His retirement, as well as isolation and loneliness brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted him to pursue further education, leading him to Northern College’s Mining Engineering Technician program.
“I chose Mining Engineering due to a global interest in climate change, the EV solution and the need for critical minerals such as cobalt, manganese, lithium, natural graphite and nickel in future technologies. Northern College was the perfect fit with its flexible, asynchronous program and supportive community,” Davis explained.
He praised the College’s Haileybury School of Mines, its impressive on-site Field School, comprehensive and rigorous assignments, and the camaraderie of fellow students, which attributed to his success. He also commended the courteousness of the teachers and office staff at Northern, which provided him with a rewarding student experience.
“For students considering Northern College, I would say, reach out if you need help. It’s a great place to learn and is immensely practical. Hard work is well rewarded at Northern with many scholarships and bursaries,” he added. Looking ahead, Davis plans to gain experience in the Mining industry as well as continue his educational journey, soon to be applying to the Social Performance Management in the Extractive Industries (SPMEI) Graduate Diploma program at Queen’s University.
“I did not expect to receive any graduation awards, but they will be lifelong souvenirs,” stated Davis of the College’s recognition of his achievements at the recent graduation ceremony.
This year’s prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal, awarded to the student with the highest-grade average of any student in their graduating class, went to 29-year-old Albert Jr. A. Fuensalida, an Electrical Engineering Technician program graduate at the Timmins Campus. He achieved an impressive overall average
of 95.925% and was presented the award during the graduation ceremony.
“Receiving the Governor General’s Academic Medal is an incredible honour,” said Fuensalida, student who arrived in Canada to study at Northern in 2022. “The journey through the Electrical Engineering Technician program has been challenging, but the support from my professors and peers at Northern College made it possible. Achieving this milestone means a lot to me, and I am grateful to the College for acknowledging my hard work and dedication.”
Mitch Dumas, Northern College President and CEO, remarked, Northern College is home to a diverse family of learners of all ages and backgrounds, and Bradley’s story is a shining example of the dedication and perseverance that we celebrate here. It’s never too late to become what you might have been, and who you always dreamed of becoming.
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Moosonee Graduation |
Moosonee Graduation |
SBA |
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SBA |
Bradly Davis |
Haileybury Graduation |
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Albert Jr. A. Fuensalida, Governor General Award Recipient |
Haileybury Graduation |
Kirkland Lake Graduation |
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Kirkland Lake Graduation |
Kirkland Lake Graduation |
Moosonee Graduation |
For more information about Northern College and its programs, please visit us at Northern College.
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About Northern College
Northern College, established in 1967, leads the province in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It holds the top ranking in the province of Ontario in the graduate employment rate category as well as the highest employer satisfaction score for Northern College alumni compared to all English-speaking colleges in Ontario (2023). The College has four main campuses located in Haileybury, Kirkland Lake, Moosonee and Timmins, as well as many Access Centres, which provide post-secondary education and academic upgrading to Indigenous learners in remote communities along the James Bay coast. Northern College, known as Canada’s Kindest College, is recognized for its warm, welcoming and culturally inclusive environment. A highly respected community and regional partner with close to 50,000 graduates, including the Haileybury School of Mines (est. 1912), the College plays a critical role in the region’s economic development as well as strong global mining influence. Northern College serves the educational needs of post-secondary, apprenticeship, and contract training, both on-site and through remote learning, as well as delivering academic upgrading and employment services. Its catchment area covers 160,000 square kilometres, which is roughly the size of France, and includes over 65 communities – 18 of which are First Nations.
Media Contact:
Melanie Kozlow, Manager, Marketing, Communications and External Relations
705-288-4928, kozlowm@northern.