A celebration marking the 60th Anniversary of the
Flowers Canada Ontario Floral Design School was held on June 6, 2006 in
conjunction with this year’s Floral Design School graduation.
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| Retired Teleflora CEO Bob Newton (below) Flowers Canada Design School instructor Kathy Mustard (above) and participated in a surprise package design contest during the reunion. |
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As family and friends gathered to watch the convocation of the class of 2006, many former students and teachers looked on and reminisced about the their time at Guelph University. The afternoon graduation was held at Rozanski Hall, which was beautifully decorated by the graduating class. The class included students from Sarnia, Barrie, Kitchener, Guelph, Cambridge, Alliston, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Brantford, Milton, Stirling, Kincardine, Wawa, and South Africa. Dr. Irwin Smith, executive director of FCO was on hand to congratulate the students.
Smith also introduced recently retired Teleflora CEO Bob Newton who surprised all of the graduates with a keepsake Teleflora apron. Awards were sponsored by Westbrook Floral Ltd. Newland’s Flowers, Staalduinen Floral, Ontario Flower Growers Cooperative, Flowers Canada Inc., Teleflora Canada Inc., Flowers Canada Ontario Inc., and Smithers Oasis Canada Ltd. At the end of the ceremonies, Nancy Murray surprised several ‘old timers’ and asked them to participate in a surprise package time limited design contest. Bob Newton, John McNiven Sr. (past President of FCO) and Kathy Mustard took up the challenge with the assistance of some of the graduates and what followed was a truly a memorable event filled with fun and camaraderie.
Next on the agenda was an opportunity for everyone to try a hand at the corsage bar with product sponsored by Staalduinen Floral and many also had a taste at the Martini Bar. A great BBQ supper was served where recent graduates and veteran florists had an opportunity to visit, look over old photo albums or just sat back and enjoyed the friendly ambience. Nancy Murray was recognized with a lovely gift for her many years of dedication to the school and to the industry.
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