July 8, 2005

MGH graduates urged to dream big

For the 109 MGH employees being recognized by the MGH Workplace Education Program, their graduation day dawned perfectly — sunny and warm. The graduates, along with their families, friends and coworkers, sat under the Bulfinch tent during the 10th annual Celebration of Achievement ceremony June 24, eagerly waiting to accept their diplomas for their progress in one of six levels of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.

The program began with a welcome by Carlyene Prince-Erickson, director of Employee Education and Leadership Development, and Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources. Davis also introduced Jane C. Edmonds, director of the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, who shared some inspiring words with the graduates. "The step you have taken will last your entire life and will lead you to the next step," said Edmonds. "Take courage to venture out and learn something new. Dream big." Edmonds was followed by selected students from each class level, who read samples of their writing.                           Prince-Erickson, left, and Edmonds

Prince-Erickson introduced guest speaker Krys Klincewicz, a supervisor in Materials Management. Klincewicz, an alumnus of the ESOL program, talked about coming to the United States and how during his second day of work at the MGH he enrolled in the ESOL class. "In my 13 years at the MGH, I have received a lot of opportunities that might not have been offered elsewhere," he said. "It's important to take advantage of opportunities offered and make the most of them."

Jane Ravid, lead ESOL instructor, then presented certificates to each graduate and also acknowledged a number of volunteers who helped make the program possible. The ceremony concluded with a festive celebration under the Bulfinch tent.