The hospitality event planning certificate program at University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is known for its practical focus.
In Rebecca Noort’s case, the skills she picked up had an immediate application.
Roughly one week after she crossed the stage during the UFV convocation on June 3, she walked down the aisle to marry her fiancé Phil on June 11.
That means that while she was completing the program, she was also planning the biggest event of her life so far: her wedding.
Noort, who lives in Abbotsford, excelled in her studies, and has been chosen the 2016 winner of the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for the top student in a certificate program at UFV.
Her professor, Nancy Barker, has nothing but praise for Noort.
“Rebecca is an engaged community member, volunteering in many arenas, helping and collaborating with her fellow students, and working in the tourism industry,” she notes.
“Rebecca is the kind of person who always makes lemonade out of lemons. You could translate this into descriptions such as curious, opportunistic, problem-solver, can-do attitude, self-reliant, accountable, strong moral code, communicative, and leader.”
Noort said she has always been interested in event planning.
“This program allowed me to learn more about it, about the types of jobs that are out there, and about the other skills that go along with event planning, such as marketing, communications, and tourism-related duties.”
Throughout the year, the class volunteered at various events, building up their skill set.
“It was great to see what we were learning put into practice,” Noort said. “I enjoyed volunteering for the different projects and learning from the hands-on experience.”
For her extended practicum, Noort volunteered with the City of Abbotsford, working directly with the special events coordinator.
Noort is honoured to be receiving the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal.
“I’d really like to thank my professor Nancy Barker for her support,” she said. “It was a difficult and intense course, but we all worked together to get through it. I’m proud of my class!”