More than 2,900 Conestoga College graduates are eligible to take part in the College’s 34th Convocation ceremonies, on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20 at the Conestoga College Recreation Centre, located at the Doon campus in Kitchener.
There will be four ceremonies in all -- two on each day.
The first, starting at 4 p.m. on June 19, features graduates of several academic divisions -- the School of Engineering Technology, the School of Trades and Apprenticeship, and the Training and Development Division. Guest speaker will be Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield.
The second ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. on June 19 and honours graduates of the School of Business and Hospitality. Guest speaker will be J. Fred Kuntz, publisher of Grand River Valley Newspapers -- The Record, which serves Waterloo Region, the Guelph Mercury and the Cambridge Reporter.
The afternoon ceremony on Thursday, June 20 begins at 4 p.m. It honours graduates from three academic areas -- the School of Academic Support and Preparatory Studies, the School of Applied Arts, and health sciences programs from the School of Health Sciences and Community Services. Addressing the graduates will be David MacKinnon, president and chief executive officer of the Ontario Hospital Association.
The June 20 evening ceremony starts at 7:30 p.m., to recognize graduates of community services programs from the School of Health Sciences and Community Services, and graduates of the Continuing Education Division. Thomas Krizsan, who is owner and president of Thomasfield Homes Ltd., will be guest speaker.
Graduates will receive certificates and diplomas, and be invested with the Conestoga College Liripipe, a ceremonial shoulder sash denoting successful completion of studies and readiness to enter their chosen vocations. Each guest speaker will receive from President John W. Tibbits an inscribed and framed College Coat of Arms, in recognition of career achievements and community leadership.
In addition, the College will present its four major, College-wide awards.
The Governor General’s Academic Medal goes to the diploma-level graduate with the highest academic standing. The Mastercraft Award goes to the individual or student team producing the best program-related technical project. The James W. Church Achievement Award is for a graduate who combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic achievement. The Aubrey Hagar Distinguished Teaching Award goes to a faculty member who has compiled a record of excellence in the areas of teaching, curriculum development, academic innovation, service to students and service to the College.
CONTACT: John Sawicki, 519-748-5220, ext. 3336