Valedictory Address by Susan Laver, May 24, 1986

First of all, I would like to say that I'm
very honoured to have been given the
opportunity to represent graduating
students on this occasion.

When I was first approached by the
selection committee with the possibility
of representing the student body as
Valedictorian, two questions immediately
occurred to me which were relevant to my
personal experience at Capilano College,
but I suspect they are also relevant to
many other students. Firstly, I found
myself reflecting upon why I had chosen to
attend this college, rather than any other
institution, and secondly, I asked myself
whether, in view of that choice, Capilano
had managed to fulfill my expectations of
it. The answer to the last question is a
categorical yes, but that would make this
a very short speech so I would like to say
a little more than that.

There were obvious practical reasons which
influenced my decision to attend Capilano
College; I was and still am a North Shore

resident, and Capilano was easily
accessible. In addition, whilst it is
always a financial struggle to go to
school, the fees were at least manageable.
These were important considerations, but
beyond the practical reasons, there was a
much more significant and persuasive
consideration and that was the fact of

Capilano College's reputation—a reputation

that was passed on to me by former
students.

The process of "getting an education", if
I can call it that, is often a lot more
complex and intricate than it sounds, and
for the majority, it will be amongst the
most important decisions of their lives.
Once we've decided we can afford it, there
are many questions to be asked: what
courses should I take; who should I study
with; and, perhaps most importantly, what
do I want to get out of it. For some,
education is a life-long process of
learning—it-is an ongoing cultural
immersion. For others, education is the
principle stepping-stone towards a career
or profession. It is a remarkable feat
when one institution can provide for both
these needs.

I was fortunate enough to know a number of
students who had graduated from Capilano
College and who have gone on to complete

their studies at both SFU and UBC, as well

as other institutions across Canada and
the United States. I know other students
who have entered or re-entered the work-
force after successfully completing their
apprenticeship in a career or vocational
programme. Without exception, andIdo not
think this is simply coincidence, these
students had no hesitation in encouraging
me to attend Capilano College on the basis
of their experience here. This not only
suggests that the college's reputation
thrives and gets passed on through its
graduate students; it also testifies to
the fact that the college does live up to
most of our expectations of it.