When Jesse Reynders chose to make a leap from his 25+ year career with the Canadian Armed Forces to pursue life as an accountant, he chose to start his journey at Niagara College.
“It was really a return to family for me,” said Reynders. After spending their entire married life at a distance from the rest of their family due to military priorities, the Reynders family’s desire to lay down roots close to their extended family was a priority and led them to the Niagara region. Coinciding with the move to Niagara, Reynders’ decision to change careers led him to Niagara College, where he enroled in 2015.
He will close that first chapter of his new life at the top of his class, graduating with a College-leading 98.23% grade-point average. Reynders will cross the stage to receive his diploma alongside his classmates from Niagara College’s Business Administration – Accounting advanced diploma program at Spring Convocation on June 21 at the Welland Campus.
Reynders came to the College following a distinguished career with the Canadian Armed Forces. Trained as a Combat Engineer Officer, he served in a diverse set of leadership, operations, and administrative positions that saw him manage large and complex budgets. His bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics from The Royal Military College of Canada underscores an interest in financial management and planning that was a constant throughout his career, and was a deciding factor in his decision to pursue a new career in accounting.
“Math has always been my strength,” he said. “When the time came to choose a second career, I looked at what my skills were, as well as which professions were trending up at the time. Accounting seemed a natural fit.”
While at Niagara College, Reynders credits his academic success to setting and maintaining clear goals for his career and education. “When I came to the college, I really approached my education as I would a job,” said Reynders. “As a mature student, I was definitely more engaged in my studies than I was in my youth. That allowed me to manage my time so that I was able to complete my studies and classwork without sacrificing time with my family.”
Not only did he find time for his wife and two sons, he also worked part-time at his current firm and gave back to his fellow students by serving as a peer mentor and peer tutor, easing first-year students into college life and helping them succeed academically.
“It was a great experience. Although many of the students were younger than me, we learned a lot from each other, and were able to work well together.”
Reynders is currently working as a staff accountant at Bridgman & Durksen Chartered Professional Accountants in Virgil, and lives in the Port Dalhousie area with his wife and two sons. He is currently pursuing his Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was established by Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third Governor General after Confederation to encourage academic excellence across the nation. They are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, approved college or university program.
Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
-30-
Note to editors: To arrange interviews and/or reserve a seat at convocation ceremonies please contact Andrew Korchok at [email protected]. Convocation takes place at the Welland Campus and free parking is available Lots A and C.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Korchok
Communications/Media Advisor
Niagara College
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430
Cell: 905 329-1642
Michael Wales
Manager, Communications
Office: 905 735-2211 ext. 7773
Cell: 905 328-4101