July 9, 2004

Honoring the graduates

For more than a decade, the MGH has offered adult education and English as a Second Language classes for MGH employees who come from countries all over the world, including Morocco, China, Poland, Ethiopia and the Dominican Republic. Offered by the MGH Workplace Education Program, students of these classes gathered June 25 under the Bulfinch tent to celebrate their progress in the program.

Jeff Davis, senior vice president for MGH Human Resources, introduced the ninth annual MGH Workplace Education Program Celebration of Achievements, which featured presentations from students of all proficiency levels reading excerpts from pieces they had written. The common thread woven throughout the presentations was the importance of the classes to each student and how meaningful the program has been to them. Many said the classes helped shape their new lives in the United States.

Guest speaker Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, expressed what a wonderful opportunity it was for him to take part in the event, especially since his grandparents came to the United States from Eastern Europe to make better lives for themselves. "It is an honor to see this generation doing the same," said Slavin. Nearly 100 employees took part in classes this year.

For more information about the Workplace Education program, contact Jane Ravid at (617) 724-3976, or send e-mail to jravid@partners.org

Above, from left, Gabriel Haile of MGH Parking, James Hunt, parking manager and Hagos Berhane of MGH Parking.