When Serena Soucy, an Arborist Apprenticeship student at Humber, received the inaugural Adam Sura Arborist Apprentice Scholarship, she was grateful for the support in earning a quality education so she could embark on a meaningful career.
“Since beginning my first year in the Arborist Apprenticeship program, I have learned a lot in both my indoor and canopy classrooms. Expanding my network and getting to know other junior arborists in Ontario has been an awesome experience as everyone brings their individual passions and skills to the table to make for a really enjoyable school experience. I have especially enjoyed my climbing classes and getting to learn from some of the amazing instructors this program has. Already, I feel so much more confident in my climbing abilities, and my understanding of safety associated with the job has also greatly increased. This scholarship has allowed me to focus on my classes and not worry as much about the income I’m losing by not working during the school semester.”
Adam Sura, an alumnus of Humber’s Arborist Apprenticeship program, loved everything to do with trees. He loved climbing and getting his many ropes in just the right spots. He was also an artist, musician, athlete, wonderful son and great friend to many. He loved people and had a knack for making everyone feel special.
At Humber, with his instructors and classmates, Adam excelled in his chosen profession, graduating with honours. Climbing and caring about trees was a joy and being an arborist allowed him to combine his athletic and creative skills into a career that he was immensely proud of. He continued to pursue excellence by obtaining his International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification, becoming a Certified Arborist able to work anywhere in the world. He also acquired his Class DZ licence and became a Crew Leader. Adam was extremely safety-conscious and completed Ontario Hydro’s Utility Arborist certification dealing with safety on and around Ontario Hydro property.
In honour of his memory, the Adam Sura Arborist Apprentice Scholarship was graciously started from a GoFundMe campaign, with generous contributions from his many close friends and family members.
Adam lived by working and playing hard, giving hope and support to family and friends and helping everyone to be the best they can be. He believed in living life to its fullest and he believed in supporting others to do the same. Along the way, he shared lots of laughs, fun and plenty of love with everyone he knew.
“Adam was passionate about working with trees and everything to do with arboriculture,” said his parents. “Attending Humber helped him achieve his dream of becoming a Certified Arborist, which he did in April 2017. Adam felt that Humber had the best climbing school in the area and would be so honoured to help other aspiring students be able to attend the Arborist Apprenticeship program and achieve success.”
Humber is grateful for this generous support and is proud to honour the legacy of an alumnus who continues to touch the lives of many.