Cheryl Jewell

Cheryl fulfilled that wish and attended the PEI School of Nursing and Memorial University, earning her credential as a Registered Nurse. After working at the QEH for many years, Cheryl made the move to Holland College in 2008 and is now a Learning Manager for the Resident Care Worker, Practical Nursing, and Continuing Education programs.

“I grew up understanding that education is power, and I always had an interest in teaching,” said Cheryl. “I used to love working with students when they came to the hospital for their practicums, so it was a natural transition.”

Each of Cheryl’s siblings followed their own educational paths, but Cheryl remembers her sister Ruth, older by just two years, struggling with the demands of high school.

“I remember many nights at the kitchen table working with her on her homework,” said Cheryl. “She found school very difficult, but with hard work and determination she graduated high school. She then decided she wanted to go further with her education, and she enrolled in Holland College and took a secretarial course.”

After graduation from that program, Ruth moved to Halifax and began a 25-year career in human resources with the Department of National Defense.

In 1999 at the age of 50, Ruth was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She demonstrated bravery and a great strength of character to her final days, and, in 2013, passed away at home in P.E.I. with her loving family by her side.

“When I reflected on Ruth’s life, I realized that Holland College is really where she got her start,” said Cheryl. “Because she meant so much to everyone who knew her and was known for helping others, my husband Kevin and I agreed that we wanted students who may have experienced similar struggles to benefit from her life.”

In 2013, Cheryl and Kevin established the Ruth MacKinnon Memorial Award. This award is presented annually to a student entering Holland College’s Human Resource Management program who has demonstrated academic success and who has overcome obstacles.

“When the Holland College Foundation shares the recipient thank you letters, we just know that we are making a difference in someone’s life.”