CAST-UTECH Alumni Association

Mr. Bernard (Patrick) Lee

Bernard Lee was born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 31, 1972. He is the son of Desmond Lee, a construction worker and Pauline Smith, a machine operator, both of whom have 17 other children. Bernard has developed a strong sense of self-identity, caring, perseverance and commitment expressed primarily through values instilled by his grandmother Lurline Dwyer, with whom he grew up in the inner-city community of Majesty Gardens.

While living in Kingston, Bernard taught Sunday School for a period of 10 years, and became involved with church/community-based groups, seeking to promote literacy and improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods. Saddled with the stigma of failure after being unsuccessful as a youth in the Common Entrance Exams, Bernard attended Haile Selassie Secondary School, encountering students who exemplified 'failure syndrome,'- perpetuating a myth that is reinforced by pundits who say "nothing good" comes from students at secondary schools.

In his endeavor to prove them wrong - and even though he had good teachers- Bernard undaunted by an uphill battle, worked "three times" harder than his peers in high school and graduated at age 17 with seven CXC's at the General Proficiency Level (Gr.1 & Gr.2), in addition to three Secondary School Certificates (SSCs).

In his quest for greater achievement, Bernard subsequently graduated in 1993 with a Diploma in Business Education from the College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST), and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Technology (UTECH) in 1996. Bernard, a teacher with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and currently a Department Head at George S. Henry Academy, has continued his pursuit of educational and professional excellence, obtaining from York University both a Master's Degree in Mathematics and Principals' Qualification Part 1; and an Honour's Specialist in Business from the University of Toronto. Most recently, he completed a course in Journalism at Humber College of Applied Arts.

Jamaicans have migrated in significant numbers to various regions of the World and Bernard is no exception, opting for Canada and leaving behind in Jamaica a significant history of accomplishments. They included Chief Operating Officer, Habitat for Humanity Jamaica; nomination for the Governor-General Achievement Award; selected as one of 40 top achievers by Peace and Love in Schools (PALS) Jamaica; founder and inaugural President, Teachers in Training Society, CAST; and Director, Fathers Incorporated, a parent advocacy group.

The values of empathy, commitment and service his grandmother taught him have extended far beyond the shores of his birthplace and into the mosaic of multi-cultural Canadian society. His volunteer involvement includes host of Africa Today and News Now programs on CHRY 105.5 FM at York University, and the Ontario chapter of CAST-UTECH Alumni Association. Bernard is the epitome of strength, clearly displayed within his household where he maintains a loving and caring environment to his wife Tamara and children, Julia and Anthony.

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2008 Distinguished Alumnus

Awardee:	Mr. Bernard (Patrick) Lee Bernard Lee was born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 31, 1972. He is the son of Desmond Lee, a construction worker and Pauline Smith, a machine operator, both of whom have 17 other children. Bernard has developed a strong sense of self-identity, caring, perseverance and commitment expressed primarily through values instilled by his grandmother Lurline Dwyer, with whom he grew up in the inner-city community of Majesty Gardens. While living in Kingston, Bernard taught Sunday School for a period of 10 years, and became involved with church/community-based groups, seeking to promote literacy and improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods. Saddled with the stigma of failure after being unsuccessful as a youth in the Common Entrance Exams, Bernard attended Haile Selassie Secondary School, encountering students who exemplified 'failure syndrome,'- perpetuating a myth that is reinforced by pundits who say "nothing good" comes from students at secondary schools. In his endeavor to prove them wrong - and even though he had good teachers- Bernard undaunted by an uphill battle, worked "three times" harder than his peers in high school and graduated at age 17 with seven CXC's at the General Proficiency Level (Gr.1 & Gr.2), in addition to three Secondary School Certificates (SSCs). In his quest for greater achievement, Bernard subsequently graduated in 1993 with a Diploma in Business Education from the College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST), and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Technology (UTECH) in 1996. Bernard, a teacher with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and currently a Department Head at George S. Henry Academy, has continued his pursuit of educational and professional excellence, obtaining from York University both a Master's Degree in Mathematics and Principals' Qualification Part 1; and an Honour's Specialist in Business from the University of Toronto. Most recently, he completed a course in Journalism at Humber College of Applied Arts. Jamaicans have migrated in significant numbers to various regions of the World and Bernard is no exception, opting for Canada and leaving behind in Jamaica a significant history of accomplishments. They included Chief Operating Officer, Habitat for Humanity Jamaica; nomination for the Governor-General Achievement Award; selected as one of 40 top achievers by Peace and Love in Schools (PALS) Jamaica; founder and inaugural President, Teachers in Training Society, CAST; and Director, Fathers Incorporated, a parent advocacy group. The values of empathy, commitment and service his grandmother taught him have extended far beyond the shores of his birthplace and into the mosaic of multi-cultural Canadian society. His volunteer involvement includes host of Africa Today and News Now programs on CHRY 105.5 FM at York University, and the Ontario chapter of CAST-UTECH Alumni Association. Bernard is the epitome of strength, clearly displayed within his household where he maintains a loving and caring environment to his wife Tamara and children, Julia and Anthony. Top of Page Home Page to Awardee Page