Willis College: Success Stories recorded on Graduation Day by Gale Force Wins

This collection of emotional synopses reveals a pervasive theme of profound personal transformation and pride experienced by Willis College students and staff as recorded by Gale Force Wins on the day of their graduation.. Graduates consistently express feelings of goodness, privilege, happiness, confidence, and immense pride in overcoming fears and achieving their dreams. Faculty and staff, in turn, convey deep joy, fulfillment, and pride in their meaningful work, seeing students as family members who courageously embark on journeys leading to successful career outcomes and brighter futures. Each person interviewed collectively highlights the supportive environment, dedicated instruction, and practical career focus of Willis College in changing lives.

 

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Aasil Thakkar Campus Director Online Division 

Aasil Thakkar, the Campus Director for Willis College Online, oversees the entire student journey from admission to graduation, ensuring support through a student services team and individualized plans. He emphasizes that the online learning philosophy is tailored to diverse backgrounds and learning styles, with efforts made at every stage to keep students engaged and supported, even through life events. Meeting graduates at ceremonies reminds him of the meaningful work his team does and the company culture that binds them. Witnessing students apply what they learned and achieve successful employment brings him immense joy and fulfillment.

 

 

 

 

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Adedamola Akande | Cybersecurity Analyst Program Graduate 

Adedamola Akande, known as Dami, graduated from the Cybersecurity Analyst program at Willis College in Ottawa. Despite an initial fear of the cybersecurity field and a diverse background in social work, psychology, and financial advising, she was encouraged to pursue the program. She found the learning journey “very smooth” and “easy to understand,” even without a prior IT background, crediting the simplified terms, labs, and projects. Dami expresses feeling “so very good and privileged” to have graduated, with a future goal of helping the industry tackle errors and prevent penetration.

 

 

 

 

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Amber Minns | Melanie Tremplay | Sabrina Bellefeuille

Sabrina, an instructor for the ACSW program, along with her students Melanie and Amber, train to become professional helpers in addictions and mental health through an entirely online program. This unique online format fosters a deep “online family” connection, as the curriculum encourages personal introspection and growth. Melanie and Amber, who were a year clean and sober upon starting, valued the online flexibility and formed close friendships, meeting in person for the first time at graduation. Sabrina highlights the importance of these school-built relationships for navigating the challenging field and encourages prospective students to be open about life’s barriers, as the college works to support their journey.

 

 

 

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Barb Jay Campus Director Willis College 

Barb Jay, the Campus Director for Willis College Ottawa, holds a multifaceted role dedicated to supporting students from their decision to enroll through to graduation. Her primary motivation is witnessing the transformation of lives, seeing students overcome initial uncertainty to succeed and secure “amazing jobs”7. Willis College provides continuous support for students navigating life challenges alongside their studies, ensuring they finish their programs despite non-linear paths. Graduation day is a significant celebration for graduates, their friends, and family, acknowledging the collective support system vital to their achievement. 

 

 

 

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Bev Slyziuk | Financial Aid Advisor 

Bev Slyziuk is a new Financial Aid Advisor at Willis College, having been on the job for just 11 days at the time of the graduation ceremony. She observed the graduation, noting the “fantastic outcomes” and “a lot of pride” among the graduates. Her role will involve helping students navigate financial challenges, aiming to remove this significant barrier to their education. Bev is “excited and inspired” to support students in reaching their graduation day and achieving their goals.

 

 

 

 

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Casey Brown | Massage Therapy Graduate and Valedictorian 

Casey Brown, a valedictorian, graduated from the cybersecurity program at Willis College, having sought a career change from business due to family needs and the high demand in the IT field. He chose Willis because of its condensed program duration compared to other colleges, making it suitable for middle-aged students with families. The program offered substantial flexibility, with online classes recorded on Moodle, allowing students to manage their learning around personal commitments. Casey feels “great” about graduating and aims to pursue his passion for democratic reform, potentially integrating his new IT skills.

 

 

 

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Craig Eccles | Admissions Advisor 

Craig Eccles serves as an Admissions Advisor at Willis College, typically being the initial point of contact for individuals seeking career change. His role involves a “process of discovery” to understand student goals and set them on a path to success. He finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the “outcome” of students’ investment, which extends beyond graduation to securing a fulfilling career that enriches their lives. Craig’s motivation for his work is seeing the tangible results and the “next steps” achieved by students who trusted Willis with their educational journey.

 

 

 

 

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Dieudonne Dushimimana | Cybersecurity Analyst Program Graduate 

Dieudonne Dushimimana graduated from the Cybersecurity Analyst program at Willis College after three years, having previously worked in tech support and seeking to enhance his skills. He adapted to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and felt Willis College prepared him “really, really well” for his daily tasks. Following graduation, he built up his background as an IT analyst before securing his “dream job” as a cybersecurity analyst at the House of Commons, Parliament of Canada. Dieudonne expressed how well the college’s teachings applied to his real-world operations in a Security Operations Center (SOC).

 

 

 

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Henry Devlin President and CEO Willis College and CBBC Career College 

Henry was inspired to dedicate his career to regulated colleges after a student thanked him for changing his life 40 years ago. He acquired Willis College seven years ago, recognizing its history as the oldest regulated college in Canada. Henry emphasizes that the Willis team, comprised of talented individuals from industry, are passionate about making a real difference and working alongside students from fear of the unknown to career success. He views students as family, deeply proud of their courage in navigating challenging journeys, and notes that over 95% of graduates are already working in Ottawa, supported by the crucial career services team.

 

 

 

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Julie Lalonde | Practicum and Employment Specialist 

Julie Lalonde serves as a Practicum and Employment Specialist at Willis College, a role she transitioned into after graduating from their Personal Support Worker (PSW) program. She described her own student experience as “wonderful,” “super easy,” and “seamless” due to the supportive staff. After graduation, she was offered a position to help students with volunteering in the PSW program, which evolved into her current role assisting with practicums and job placements. Julie feels “exhilarated and proud” to see students succeed and gain brighter futures, likening it to sending her own children into the world, and cherishes the “fantastic team” at Willis.

 

 

 

 

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Madison Soderholm | Medical Office Administration Program Graduate 

Madison Soderholm graduated from the Medical Office Administration program, studying and now working in Thunder Bay, Ontario22. She was drawn to Willis College after seeing an ad and was “sold” on the program’s potential to help people and the passion of the staff, quickly enrolling22. Her online program offered flexibility and understanding professors who accommodated personal challenges, and she found the content well-presented and directly applicable to her field22. Madison felt “amazing” and “Oh my gosh I did it” upon graduating, rapidly securing her “dream job” in neurosurgery just a week after her placement2022.

 

 

 

 

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Jaffer Araujo – Business Instructor 

Jaffer Araujo is primarily the financial accounting instructor for Willis College’s online campus, teaching core courses such as introduction to accounting, payroll, and Quickbooks. Originally from Brazil with extensive finance experience, he moved to Canada specifically to pursue his dream of teaching. Jaffer chose Willis due to its balanced online campus environment, offering good class time, accessible office hours for instructors, and reasonable student-to-class ratios, which makes his job enjoyable. He feels “very proud” of his graduating students and looks forward to the annual graduation event, with many students traveling from other provinces to attend.

 

 

 

 

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Maria Dowling | Administrative Assistant Online Programs

Maria Dowling is the Administrative Assistant to the Online Campus Director at Willis College, supporting students in IT programs from beginning to end, including tracking progress and printing diplomas. She finds it “very rewarding” to witness students’ journey from initial aspirations to receiving their diplomas, especially seeing the growth of those balancing work or developing new computer skills. Maria, who started as a receptionist and moved into her current role, values being part of students’ “amazing experience” and is inspired by their transformation. She expresses deep gratitude for her role and has even considered becoming a student at Willis herself.

 

 

 

 

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Meghan Jay and her Mom Barb Jay Meghan

Meghan Jay is a Willis College 2025 graduate, and her mother, Barb Jay, is the Campus Director for Willis College Ottawa. Barb’s favorite aspect of working at Willis is witnessing people graduate who might not have otherwise pursued higher education, praising the college’s shorter programs and robust support system. Meghan’s favorite part of being a Willis student is the “family dynamic” and the unwavering support from staff and teachers, ensuring students never feel alone even after graduation. Both mother and daughter emphasize the profound joy and importance of seeing students bravely succeed and establish meaningful careers.

 

 

 

 

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Meghan Jay | Veterinary Medical Assistant Program Graduate 

Meghan Jay graduated from the Veterinary Medical Assistant program, driven by a lifelong love of animals and a desire to help both pets and their owners. Her online program provided flexibility and accessibility, allowing her to integrate studies with her work schedule while fostering a strong sense of community and shared passion among classmates. Graduating gave her a “relieving feeling” of accomplishment, equipped with the skills to connect empathetically with people during difficult times with their pets. Her dream job is to work in a small clinic, providing hands-on care and assisting veterinarians to offer the best service possible.

 

 

 

 

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Michael Boyd | Manager of Career Services

Michael Boyd, the Manager of Career Services at Willis College, leads a team across Canada dedicated to preparing students for careers and facilitating practicums and employment28. With 28 years in education, he was instrumental in establishing the career services department, driven by the goal of “successful student outcomes”. He finds his role “immensely fulfilling,” guiding students from initial nervousness to confidence by connecting their skills with employer needs and mock interviews. Graduation day is a significant celebration for all involved, where staff experience immense pride in witnessing students’ growth and transformation into their chosen careers.

 

 

 

 

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Mirabelle Clary | PSW Instructor

Mirabelle Clary, a Registered Nurse and PSW instructor at Willis College for over nine years, was drawn to the college by its commitment to healthcare education and student success29. She brings extensive “real life experience” from her nursing career into the classroom, providing practical insights beyond textbooks. Willis students gain hands-on skills and complete 300 hours of practicum in various healthcare settings, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce. Mirabelle feels “so proud” to see students gain confidence and readily secure jobs, contributing to the crucial shortage of healthcare workers.

 

 

 

 

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Nichole Lawrence | Program Coordinator Massage Therapy

Nichole Lawrence is the Program Coordinator of the Massage Therapy program at Willis College, which offers intensive fast-track (67 weeks) or regular-track (81 weeks) options31. The program emphasizes 330 hours of required hands-on training conducted on-site, through outreach, specialty clinics, and public student clinics. Nichole, with 17 years of direct client care experience, chose to teach at Willis due to its high standard of education and her passion for helping others in a different way. She feels “super excited” and “proud” to witness her diverse student body (from 18 to 60+) graduate, calling it the “best and most exciting part” of her job.

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Penny Digweed | Graduate Medical Office Administrator with Ward Clerk Specialist 

Penny Digweed, a 50-year-young graduate, completed the Medical Office Administration and Ward Clerk Specialist program at Willis College, seeking a fulfilling career where she could be helpful. Her initial interaction with Willis was “very easy,” characterized by helpful and friendly staff who rapidly answered her questions. The program’s small class sizes allowed her to connect deeply with experienced teachers who provided relevant, real-world preparation for the job. Penny feels “very proud” to have found her “dream job” immediately after her practicum, effortlessly transitioning into her career thanks to Willis College’s excellent training.

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Pierre Roger Nello | Cybersecurity Analyst Program Graduate

Pierre Roger Nello graduated from the Cybersecurity Analyst program at Willis College and earned the distinction of valedictorian with a 98.5% score. He found the course initially challenging but ultimately a “very great first class” that helped him grow. Pierre particularly appreciated Willis College’s selective recruitment process, up-to-date curriculum, and the humility and performance of his instructors. He feels “very proud” and “free to move on” with his career, confident that the program perfectly matches the demands of jobs in the IT domain, and is currently seeking an entry-level IT support position.

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Riley Thorn Veterinary Medical Assistant Program Graduate

Riley Thorn graduated from the Veterinary Medical Assistant program at Willis College, driven by his profound love for animals and a desire for a stable, joyful, and fulfilling career. He believes that as long as people exist and have pets, this job field will remain vital, allowing him to help the community and animals in need. The program provided extensive practical experience, including animal handling, restraint, administering medications, and sanitation, preparing him for direct work with pets and veterinarians. Riley expressed deep “pride, fulfillment, and joy” for the opportunity and education Willis College provided, which he views as a monumental step toward his purpose.

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Stacey Black | VP Marketing and Communications

Stacey Black, VP of Marketing and Communications with Summit 2 and Willis College, announced an enhancement to their “Ripple Rewards” referral program, inspired by a valedictorian’s speech about a “ripple effect”. This program encourages graduates and alumni to refer others to Willis, offering $300 (or $600 in June) for successful enrollments, fostering a “pay it forward” movement. Stacey emphasizes that “it’s never too late” to pursue education and career changes, noting many students in their 50s successfully fulfilling new dreams. She highlights Willis College’s significant impact, with all staff dedicated to providing the best education to transform lives and create a continuous positive “ripple”.

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Tarwyn Lane | Dental Assisting Distance Instructor and Student Coordinator

Tarwyn Lane is a Dental Assisting instructor and student coordinator at Willis College, bringing 27 years of dental assisting experience into the classroom. She believes that sharing “real life experiences”—the good, the bad, and the funny—is crucial for students, offering more reality than textbooks. Tarwyn is passionate about dental assisting, highlighting the huge shortage of dental assistants in Canada and aiming to empower students in this valued profession. The program’s flexible online format allows students across the country to learn from home and complete placements in their communities, boasting a “100% success job rate” after graduation.

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Taylor Upshaw Massage Therapy Program Graduate and Valedictorian

Taylor Upshaw, the valedictorian of the Massage Therapy program, chose this career path after his wife encouraged him to seek a new direction, drawn by hands-on work and health science, particularly anatomy. The program was an intensive 2-year accelerated curriculum that balanced theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on experience through public clinics40. All 10 students in his graduating class successfully passed their provincial examinations, highlighting the program’s effectiveness. Taylor feels “honored” to be valedictorian and believes Willis College was “more than just a school,” serving as a place where he and his classmates “grew as people,” ultimately leading him to secure his “dream job” working with athletes in a gym.

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Temitope Peters | Cybersecurity Analyst Program Graduate

Temitope Peters graduated from the Cybersecurity Analyst program at Willis College, remarkably starting with “zero technical background”. She credits great instructors and family support for helping her navigate the initial challenges and successfully transition from a personal support worker to a “tech guru”. Graduating felt “amazing,” a significant personal accomplishment as a working mom who proved to her children that “you can do it”. Temitope emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the evolving tech world and feels honored to be part of a community of “brilliant people”.

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Willow Gardner | Executive Business Administration Graduate and Valedictorian

Willow Gardner graduated from the Executive Business Administration program at Willis College and was honored to be selected as valedictorian, an unexpected but welcome recognition for her dedication. Her online learning experience was highly beneficial as a caregiver, allowing her to complete the program from home on her schedule, with teachers providing extra support. Since graduating, Willow has been working as an administrative assistant, building experience and connections, and hopes to find a permanent role in the non-profit sector. She values feeling “part of a team working towards something that matters” and is proud of her accomplishment.

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If you are a private college why should you hire Gale Force Wins?

A Private College would want to hire Gale Force Wins to create this style of content at their graduation: Private Colleges, like Willis College, inherently focus on student transformation and career outcomes. However, effectively communicating the depth of this impact to prospective students and stakeholders can be challenging. Standard marketing materials often lack the authenticity and emotional resonance that truly captures the journey of an individual returning to school, overcoming barriers, and ultimately securing a fulfilling career. A college’s reputation hinges not just on its programs, but on the tangible success stories of its graduates, and how those stories are presented directly influences future enrolment and public perception. The need for compelling, firsthand testimonials that showcase the college’s comprehensive support system, from initial inquiry to employment, is paramount for a private college aiming to attract and reassure potential students and their families. Gale Force Wins excels at capturing this critical narrative through its conversational interview style at graduation ceremonies. Their approach allows for genuine, unrehearsed testimonials from graduates, instructors, and administrative staff, revealing the “family dynamic” and deep personal connections fostered within the college environment.

This content effectively highlights Willis College’s core strengths: individualized support (including managing life events and offering flexibility), the passion and real-world experience of instructors, the seamless admissions process, and the robust career services dedicated to ensuring successful employment outcomes. By engaging directly with individuals on such an emotional day, Gale Force Wins captures the essence of a student’s journey, from initial fear to profound pride and accomplishment. The content generated provides powerful, specific examples of Willis College’s impact. For instance, Dami, a cybersecurity graduate, shared how the “very smooth” learning made a career change from social work possible despite no prior IT background. Penny Digweed, at 50, found her “dream job” immediately after her practicum in Medical Office Administration, crediting the “very easy” initial interaction and “small class sizes” that allowed connection with experienced teachers. Instructors like Tarwyn Lane highlight the “100% success job rate” for Dental Assisting, enabled by a flexible online format that accommodates students with families. Michael Boyd, Manager of Career Services, emphasizes the “immensely fulfilling” process of guiding students from “nervous energy to confidence,” celebrating their “significant milestones” into careers. This granular detail, delivered by authentic voices, goes beyond generic promises to showcase concrete results.

Ultimately, this style of content by Gale Force Wins serves as an invaluable marketing and recruitment asset for private colleges. It transforms abstract promises into relatable human stories of courage, dedication, and success. By showcasing the genuine care, personalized support, and tangible employment outcomes (over 95% of Willis graduates are working in Ottawa by graduation), it builds trust and inspires prospective students to take the “courageous” first step. This “pay it forward” “Ripple Rewards” approach, as described by Stacey Black, creates a virtuous cycle where satisfied alumni encourage new students, reinforcing the college’s brand as an institution that not only transforms lives but also empowers individuals to transform the lives of others in their chosen fields. This unique, emotionally compelling content provides a clear return on investment by validating the college’s mission and attracting a new generation of dedicated learners.