Statement made on 14 May 2009 by Senator Rod Zimmer
Hon. Rod A.A. Zimmer:
Honourable senators, it was with great honour and pride that I learned that my alma mater, St. Peter's College, will be receiving the award of excellence for Best Program — Small Shops/Independent School. This Gold Medal of Excellence Award will be bestowed on Monday, June 9, in Hamilton by the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education, CCAE. The award only confirms what I have known since my very own passage as a student; St. Peter's continues to raise the standard of rural education. This award proves that great things can come in small packages — like our very own colleague, Senator Munson.
As Canada's only Royal Benedictine College in Canada, St. Peter's develops the leaders and professionals of tomorrow by providing a strong academic foundation, exciting activities and a variety of leadership opportunities in a supportive environment.
Last September, St. Peter's hosted a gala fundraising dinner and ceremony with the Honourable Belinda Stronach as the guest speaker. This event guaranteed the long-term success of these goals. The Key to Success Gala and Awards Ceremony set the path for the future generations of students to come. The funds secured through this initiative will help renovate Michael Hall, one of the institution's fundamental teaching structures. From this night to remember, over $3 million was committed to the Key to Success campaign and new programs were launched thanks to key supporters.
Honourable senators, I congratulate St. Peter's College on its success, and I thank the CCAE for this outstanding recognition by awarding the college the Gold Medal of Excellence. Long live St. Peter's.