Ray Nufer, a Diploma student majoring in the Visual Arts program, emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 Yvonne Thompson Page Co-op Student of the Year Award.
Ray Nufer, Diploma in Visual Arts, Co-op student
Selected from a pool of highly competitive nominees, Ray stood out for her outstanding achievements during her co-op work term with the聽Maritime Museum of British Columbia (MMBC).聽Ray has became an example of dedication, resilience, and excellence. Her journey is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the transformative power of experiential learning.
Dr. Lane Trotter, President of 换妻探花 said: 鈥淐ongratulations Ray on your remarkable achievement and thank you for being such an incredible ambassador for the college. We always hear from students that co-operative education has a monumental impact on their career development. I have no doubt you will continue to make significant contributions in your future endeavors.鈥
During her co-op work term at聽MMBC, Ray demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with visitors and tailor content to meet their individual needs. She brought a strong mix of qualitative and quantitative analysis skills, empathetic listening and communication, creativity, quick problem-solving abilities, and solid technical knowledge. Ray also developed two program plans and accompanying resources for future staff, and successfully implemented two brand-new pop-up workshops as part of the museum鈥檚 ongoing Salty Sundays programming.
Ray's achievements extend beyond accolades and awards. Her commitment to promoting the value of co-op education is evident in her active participation in creating museum programs and visitor engagement. Her dedication to fostering a culture of learning and growth earned her an Honourable Mention from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) Canada & Emery-Dufault Student of the Year Award and Winner from Association for Cooperative Education and Work Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACEWIL) Co-op Student of the Year, further solidifying her status as a champion in co-op education.
Sarah-Joy, Co-op and Internship Coordinator at 换妻探花, expressed, "It has been a joy to work with Ray as both a student and as an employee. She has fully embraced her academic and work-integrated learning opportunities, and I am confident she is worthy of the Yvonne Thompson Page award."
"换妻探花 is immensely proud of Ray's remarkable achievements and contributions to both the college and the workplace. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of experiential learning. Her resilience, dedication, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring co-op students, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience in shaping successful careers."
-听Claudia Sperling, Applied Learning, Co-op Education and Career Services Director at 换妻探花
Ray shared deep appreciation upon receiving the award, expressing: "It is absolutely beyond an honour to have been chosen as the winner of the Co-op Student of the Year Award. I hold deep gratitude to the amazing individuals who have supported my co-op and career journey鈥攑roviding mentorship, supporting me in my Visual Arts education, and catalyzing my personal and professional growth. I am incredibly excited to continue forging my path forward as an artist, art educator, and programming coordinator in the arts and culture sector."
School recipients of the YTP Co-op/WIL Student of the Year Award
- Overall Co-op/WIL Student of the Year and Arts &聽Science Co-op Student of the Year: Ray Nufer
- Co-op Student of the Year 鈥 Business: Mariana Bretado
- Co-op Student of the Year 鈥 Hospitality Management: Breyn Banks
- Co-op Student of the Year 鈥 Technology: Sofia Marin Lavin
- WIL Student of the Year 鈥 Sport Management: Kohen Willis Dengler
About the Yvonne Thompson Page Co-op Student of the Year Award:
The Yvonne Thompson Page Co-op/WIL Student of the Year Award recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, contributions, and growth during their co-op work terms. Named in honour of Yvonne Thompson Page, a pioneering advocate for co-op education, the award celebrates students who embody the spirit of experiential learning and excellence in their chosen fields.
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