Conestoga will celebrate the achievements of its newest graduates during fall convocation ceremonies from October 26 to 28.
The ceremonies recognize the hard work, determination and accomplishments of graduates as they mark an important milestone in their academic journeys and join a network of more than 250,000 Conestoga alumni living and working across the region and around the world.
“Convocation is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our graduates as they prepare to take the next steps in their careers and communities,” said Conestoga Interim President Norma McDonald Ewing. “Through hands-on learning and meaningful connections with industry, our graduates have developed the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference in their chosen fields. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the contributions they will make as Conestoga alumni.”
As part of the ceremonies, Conestoga will also recognize students selected to receive the college's awards for academic achievement, technical excellence and leadership.
The President's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership will be presented to Lauren Bearisto, a graduate of the Respiratory Therapy program. The award recognizes a graduate for outstanding contributions and leadership that have positively impacted their program, the college and the broader community.
Throughout her time at Conestoga, Bearisto demonstrated a strong commitment to student success through her involvement in student organizations, peer tutoring, college events and program initiatives. Her dedication to the respiratory therapy profession and supporting her peers was further reflected in her national achievement, earning a bronze medal on the Respiratory Therapy Certification Examination for the third-highest score in Canada among more than 550 candidates.
The Mastercraft Award in Engineering & Technology will be presented to Gavin Deboer from the Mechanical Engineering Technician - Automated Manufacturing program. The award recognizes excellence in program-related technical skills, as demonstrated through an end-of-term showcase judged by industry professionals.
For his winning project, Smart Load Equipment, Deboer developed a smart, load-sensitive system designed to improve the performance and safety of heavy-duty trailer operations. The system uses real-time weight-distribution monitoring and adjustment to help reduce mechanical stress, improve fuel efficiency and enhance operational safety.
The Mastercraft Award in Applied Computer Science & Information Technology will be presented to Saba Berenji, Owen Covach, Sudhan Dahake and Sierra Erb from the Bachelor of Computer Science program.
For their winning project, the team developed R.A.T.E., a training and evaluation platform for fertility clinic technicians in partnership with Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. The system supports competency assessment in sperm motility and embryo viability analysis, helping improve training outcomes and diagnostic consistency.
The Governor General's Academic Medals will recognize two graduates for outstanding academic achievement.
Sierra Erb, a graduate of the Bachelor of Computer Science program, will receive the Governor General's Silver Academic Medal, awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic standing in a bachelor's degree program.
Kimberly Munroe, a graduate of the Early Childhood Education program, will receive the Governor General's Bronze Academic Medal, awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic program weighted average in a diploma program.
For more information, including ceremony schedules and livestream details, visit the convocation web page.