Abbott Alumni Party coming up

Andrew Paquette well remembers stumbling through the large campus of John Abbott College on his first day as a student, trying to figure out where his classrooms were.

"Even that was an experience," Paquette, who has fond memories of his time at the college as a commerce student, told <@Ri>The Chronicle<@$P> over the telephone earlier today.

Soon enough, he will have an opportunity to relive his memories of the West Island CEGEP along with fellow alumni as his company, Bravo Party Rentals, will help sponsor the John Abbott College Foundation's first-ever official alumni event, a wine and cheese night, on February 11.

"The crux of the evening will be the wine-tasting event, with wines flown from all over the world," said Debbie Cribb, who sits on the Foundation's committee as its project development officer.

Cribb admit it is rare for CEGEPs to foster strong alumni networks, since most students tend to shoot in and out within two to three years, which does not necessarily allow them the time to create a strong emotional attachment to the institution.

"For some reason, John Abbott tends to be a little different," Cribb said, mentioning its active campus life and ties to the West Island community.

Paquette's own experience seems to mirror those words. "I was president of the photo club," he recalled, and even today he works in the West Island, as Bravo is located on Brunswick Boulevard in Dollard des Ormeaux.

He also mentioned with pride how one of his children attended John Abbott before moving on to university, and the other will soon finish high school and has his sights set on the CEGEP as well.

Other sponsors of the evening include Saputo, which, according to Cribb, will provide the entire supply of cheeses for the evening.

"The West Island's La Sirène restaurant will supply the appetizers too," said Cribb.

As usual, the CEGEP will also use the occasion to display some of its students' work. Ten students registered in the fine arts program will have two hours that evening to create a work of art in their chosen medium.

"At 9 p.m, (CJAD host and the event's MC) Andrew Carter is going to auction off all the paintings," Cribb explained, and all sales will go toward charity.

Tickets are $35 each, and can be obtained by calling Debbie Cribb at 514-457-6610, ex. 50488.