Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 08/98) - Longtime care-giver Jan Stirling has been given an honorary diploma from Aurora College.

Danny Yakeleya, chair of the Aurora College board of governors, handed Stirling the diploma last Saturday morning during the college's graduation ceremony.

"We certainly believe there's nobody more deserving. Her life is just exemplary of who we all wish we could be," said Mike Shouldice, Aurora College campus director on Wednesday.

"The line I liked was, 'It's been 50 years since I graduated.' That's life-long learning. She's a tireless person, a real gem."

Stirling, who retired as a nurse last October, was taken by surprise with the honorary diploma.

"I'm very proud and very thrilled to receive it. It was a very nice honor," said Stirling from her home earlier this week.

Stirling was quick to share her proud moment with the nursing graduates at Aurora College.

"I think the honor was being with many of the students I've known since they were children and to see how hard they've worked," said Stirling.

"Especially like Mary Jane Tsetta, who gave the valedictory. I've known her since she was a little girl and it's lovely to see her do so well in nursing and so many of the others. I'd like the emphasis put on them, not on me receiving the honorary diploma, even though it was an honor." Stirling holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of Ottawa. She has registered nurse status from Saint John General in New Brunswick.

This is her Ūrst honorary diploma.