Yukon College awards first Collegiate Governor General's Academic Medal

Whitehorse - Jesse Vigliotti will be the first ever Yukon College graduate to receive a Collegiate Governor General’s Academic Medal this week.

The medal is awarded to the student with the highest grade point average at the diploma level. Vigliotti graduated with honours last month with a Northern Environmental Studies diploma and a 3.99 grade point average.

“To go for so many years not being able to say I finished high school, to now graduating with honours is a big deal for me, and very satisfying,” said Vigliotti.

After a hand injury ended his carpentry apprenticeship, the 31-year-old father of two went back to school, completing his G.E.D. at Yukon College just two years ago.

This is not the first time he has been recognized for his hard work and academic performance. In 2011 Vigliotti received the Aron Senkpiel Award from the College and a $5,000 Northern Resident Award from the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies.

“We are thrilled to present this academic medal to Jesse,” said Karen Barnes, Yukon College president. “He provides a strong, positive example of how any of us, at any age, can take up the challenge of learning new skills, of tackling a new career.”

After graduating, Vigliotti began a Student Training and Employment Position (STEP) as a Wildlife Technician with Ecological Logistics and Research in Whitehorse. The company has since given him a permanent position handling wildlife and environmental monitoring.

Vigliotti and his wife will attend a ceremony at Yukon College at 10 a.m. on Friday June 15 where Karen Barnes, Yukon College president, will award the certificate and engraved bronze medal on behalf of the Governor General.

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Contact:
Michael Vernon
Communications Coordinator
College Relations
Yukon College
o: 867 668 8786
c: 867 332 4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca
www.yukoncollege.yk.ca

Kirsti Wallace
Acting Director
College Relations
Yukon College
o: 867-456-8619
kwallace@yukoncollege.yk.ca

Background:

 
• Yukon College became eligible to give the Collegiate Governor General’s Academic Medal in 2011.
 
• For more than 130 years, the Governor General’s Academic Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements in Canadian high schools, colleges, and universities. They are the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive.
 
• The Academic Medals are awarded at four distinct levels: Bronze at the secondary school level; Collegiate Bronze at the post-secondary, diploma level; Silver at the undergraduate level; and Gold at the graduate level.