Under a brilliant sun, students of the Vanier College Architectural Technology Program gathered on May 25th for an Awards ceremony at the 2022 End-of-year BBQ. Some 150 students, teachers and special guests met to celebrate student success and achievement. Guests included Alan de Sousa, mayor of the borough of St-Laurent; representatives Florence Labelle and Samuel Guay from the office of Marwah Rizqy, MNA for Saint-Laurent; Emmanuella Lambropoulos, MP for Saint-Laurent; Aref Salem, councillor for Norman-McLaren district; John Pitre, longtime scholarship donor to the Architectural Technology department; and Vanier Director General John McMahon.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Architectural Technology students who won the 2022 John Pitre Scholarships. Congratulations to Isabella Rado-Rinaldo, the 3rd year student with the most improved grades who was awarded $1100, and to Mihaela Mereoara and Alexandra Valluzzi who tied for 2nd year students with the strongest grades, with each receiving $600. The scholarships are offered by John Pitre, a Vanier graduate and long-time supporter of the Architectural Technology Program.
A special honour was also bestowed on all students of the graduating class, with each student receiving congratulatory certificates from the National Assembly. Each certificate was individually signed by MNA Marwah Rizqy.
"This used to be a yearly event for our program," said Michael Lancione, department coordinator and teacher of the program. "Unfortunately, the event was put on hold since 2019, due to the pandemic. This pandemic has taken a mental-health toll on teachers and students alike. We therefore knew that it was important to kick-start the event in a big fashion this year."
"This event was a success thanks to the efforts of an organizing committee made up primarily of students," added Andrea Pukteris, academic coordinator and teacher in the program. "And of course, the support from both our corporate sponsors and public supporters. We are truly grateful to them!"
Activities included volleyball and football games, bubble soccer, raffles, giant board games, and water guns to help beat the heat. A food truck provided catering for the event. Graduating students signed a hard hat labeled "Class of 2022" to be displayed in the department's showcase.
The Architectural Technology Department is grateful to corporate sponsors SAJO Inc., Groupe Lessard and Figurr collectif d'architectes that enabled the joyous event to take place, and the support and encouragement of the borough council of St-Laurent, Marwah Rizqy, MNA for Saint-Laurent, and Emmanuella Lambropoulos, MP for Saint-Laurent.
