BC Lieutenant Governor's Silver Medal recipient says it’s time to give back
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The BC Lt. Gov. Silver Medal recognizes the academic achievement and community contributions of a graduate from a career program. Henry Mark completed Camosun’s Practical Nursing certificate program in September 2008.
It’s not everyday you meet a student like Henry Mark, let alone have him as a classmate. Mark’s Practical Nursing instructors describe him as a really smart, mellow sort of guy with a big heart and a drive to help people in need. Whether it’s sharing his knowledge and research findings with classmates, or travelling to Haiti to assist people with severe disability, Mark is always ready to reach out and lend a helping hand. Read more...
Intellectually challenging
After retiring from a 32-year long naval career, Mark travelled and did some volunteer work, but knew he would need something to challenge him intellectually in the next stage of life. At 55 years of age he enrolled in the Practical Nursing program, contributing to classroom diversity by being the oldest student and one of a handful of men. Mark commends his instructors, who were helpful, knowledgeable and encouraging, and says he especially enjoyed putting into practise the things he was learning in the classroom.
Instructor Heather Deane-Clark compliments Mark for his outstanding support of his classmates, saying “As a student, Mark was supportive of fellow students to an outstanding degree, taking the time to listen quietly to others, share research findings, and generally contribute to everyone’s success.”
While keeping up with the rigorous academic load of the Practical Nursing program, Mark received distinction in a clinical placement, maintained a GPA of 8.8 out of a possible 9.0, and volunteered in a number of worthwhile community activities. Some of those activities include night shifts as a supervisor at a local homeless shelter; volunteering at Our Place drop-in centre; leadership duties within his church; and helping out at the Compassionate Warehouse to repair used wheel chairs for shipment overseas.
Helping people who need it
Presently, Mark is a member of a team that goes to Haiti to support Hope Home, a residence for severely mentally and physically challenged children. He has travelled to Haiti three times in the past four years, helping with the repair and maintenance of manual and electric wheelchairs.
When asked what motivates him, Mark says modestly, “I’ve been fortunate in life and now I have time to give back to society. Nothing makes you feel better than helping people who need it.”
Last updated: October 30, 2009 10:49 am
