MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

The responsibility of the BEAD Department at AVC - Calgary is to deliver a variety of academic upgrading programs to adult students in Calgary and vicinity. BEAD is an acronym for Basic Education Alternative Delivery. The key word in the name is "alternative" because it describes the philosophy, the flexibility and the method of delivery present in our programs. BEAD programs are alternative routes for adult students to pursue their educational goals. Students are our prime focus and all program decisions are based on meeting their needs. Meeting needs means providing classes in the community where our students live. It also means a flexible schedule, individualized programs and continuous registration.

This biography of successful students was prepared for two reasons. First, the students portrayed in these vignettes have experienced success in their lives. Each individual's success is unique. It may be personal satisfaction or accomplishing a goal. It also means becoming a productive member of the community or getting a job. All our students are individuals and each one's success is different. Their achievements range from simply learning to read to further education and employment. Second, we were interested on the impact that the BEAD Department had on these students. Did our program assist these individuals in achieving their goals?

As you read the following selections, you will notice that the lives of adult students can be difficult. In addition to the responsibilities that all adults have, these students faced the difficult challenge of resuming an interrupted education. You'll notice that these successful students have different stories but a common characteristic -- they have the necessary courage and conviction to see their way through a hard time.

Several of these individuals mention the assistance of an instructor who provided a quality education as well as encouragement and support. On behalf of our students, I would like to thank the BEAD instructors for their efforts and for their assistance in the publication of this book.

Conrad Murphy
Chairman, BEAD Department