McMaster University's Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) and the McMaster Association of Part-time Students (MAPS) celebrated the accomplishments of 251 new graduates in 13 programs on Friday, November 7.

Peter George, President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster, and Chris Spence, director of education for the Hamilton-Wentworth District school board, joined CCE Director Tracey Taylor O'Reilly to address and celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.

“Tonight is really all about you”, Taylor-O'Reilly told the graduating class. “This is an opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments and acknowledge how you were able to successfully balance, work, home and educational responsibilities.”

One graduate who excelled in managing that balance was Christopher Pike. Pike earned the MAPS Centennial Award for his role outside the classroom as well as the Continuing Education Annual Prize in Social Services for academic excellence. In addition to achieving outstanding academic success in Addiction Studies, Pike has volunteered extensively with many organizations in the Hamilton area.

The Centre for Contuining Education recognized Fred Hall and Anju Joshi for their significant contributions to the program. Kris Krishnan was honoured with the CCE Instructor Award and Lois Wright was chosen by the students to receivethe MAPS Instructor award.