This year, the Vanier Architectural Technology program marked the end-of-year celebrations of its 50th anniversary, with a very special recognition of the years of support received from alumnus John Pitre. Indeed, on May 31, 2024, to thank John Pitre and honour his long-standing commitment to Vanier and the program, the Architectural Technology department inaugurated the John Pitre Drawing Room.
Surrounded by teachers, students and administrators and with a smile on his face, John cut the ribbon to officially commemorate the new "Salle de Dessin John Pitre Drawing Room" located at N-331. The design of the rebranding includes the school's characteristic white and red colours splashed across three walls, with a biography of John, and a reproduction of his signature. It is quite fitting to have a permanent space named after John in view of his ardent support of the program and its students.
After graduating from the program in 1979, John continued his studies at the university level, obtaining an economics degree with a minor in building science before going into business in British Columbia. John was deeply marked by his studies at Vanier and has donated nearly $100,000 over the years in scholarships to department students.
"I just wanted to express my most heart-felt gratitude for all the hospitality on display at Vanier. I had no idea that it was going to be such a grand expression, and with so many people to thank I am virtually left speechless. Last Friday was one of the most special days on my journey to date," said John Pitre.
Shortly after the room dedication, John joined faculty and students on the campus lawn for the department's end-of-year festivities and to award prizes to this year's two winners of the scholarships named in his honour. Congratulations to Norah Blusanovics who received an $800 scholarship for academic excellence and to Leila Mota winner of $1200 for academic transformation. Introducing this year's winners was Daniel Kuzev, alumnus and past winner of the John Pitre scholarship.
"We are privileged to have alumni like John Pitre who have given so much in support of our Architectural Technology students over the years. Today, it was nice to honour him with this renaming," noted Haritos Kavallos, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology.
"The department is grateful to have John Pitre as benefactor and supporter. We are proud to call John an alumnus of our program," added Andrea Pukteris, one of the department coordinators.
The department is grateful for the administration's support in making this happen, including Director of Communications Isabelle Moncion, the Faculty Dean, Academic Dean Sandrina Joseph, and Director-General John McMahon.
