2,070 students graduate at Loyalist

Friends, family and peers celebrated the graduation of 2,070 students at Loyalist College during the 47th annual convocation ceremonies June 5-6.

More than 100 awards, valued at $24,550, were provided by private donors, businesses, industry associations, community organizations, and the Loyalist College Foundation.

Charlotte Miller, Early Childhood Education graduate from Picton, was presented the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario, Belleville and District Award by Governor June Hagerman.

“The awards are a wonderful way to recognize the recipients’ commitment to excellence in the classroom and in our communities,” said Loyalist President Maureen Piercy. “During their post-secondary education here they have served as college ambassadors, and as graduates, I know, they will continue to lead in their respective fields.”

Kayla Lahey received The Governor General’s Award, presented to the graduating student with the highest cumulative average in a two or three-year college program. She is graduating with 97.7 per cent from the two-year Esthetics and Spa Management program in the School of Business and Management Studies.

The Herbert Young Scholarship Award was presented posthumously in honour of Aaron Murray for his outstanding academic achievements and participation in Loyalist College life.

Courtney Smith, Developmental Services Worker graduate from Picton, was presented a Community Living Prince Edward Award by Governor Tony Orrick.

Murray died following an early morning head-on vehicle crash in April on Highway 7. He was on his way home to Trenton after a night of unpaid work experience as a security guard at Trent University in Peterborough.

Murray was also recognized with the PolicePrep Award of Excellence for superior academics, community contributions and leadership, and The Protection, Security and Investigation Faculty Award.

At the first ceremony, Loyalist presented 447 graduating students in the Schools of Health Sciences and Human Studies with advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates.

Guest speaker was Rodney Skinkle,

Kelly Forbes, Developmental Services Worker graduate from Carrying Place, was presented a Carolyn Orrick Award by Governor Tony Orrick.

President and CEO of Academica Group Inc., a top provider of higher education policy, consumer research and enrolment consulting. A 1979 Loyalist College Behavioural Science graduate, Skinkle pioneered the development of research tools and studies for Canadian post-secondary institutions. Before co-founding Academica, he was Coordinator of Research, Student Services at Western University and founded Acumen Research Group Inc.  He has published numerous studies in scholarly journals and presents his research to a wide range of policy and government groups.

“Today you turn the page,” he said during his speech to graduates. “It is not a new book but a new chapter. There will be good chapters and challenging ones. You cannot look ahead in this book to see how it ends. And, you don’t want to because the joy is in the journey. I am very proud of my education at Loyalist College that set me off on my ongoing journey and proud to be among you, as Loyalist Alum. Today is your day. Now is your time.”

Skinkle was presented with an Honorary Diploma in Applied Arts and Technology. In addition, he was presented with the Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of his exceptional career success and leadership.

At the second ceremony, 311 graduating students in the Schools of Biosciences, Building Sciences and Justice Studies were recognized.

The convocation address was delivered by Denise Amyot, President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada, the national and international voice for 95 per cent of Canada’s publicly funded colleges, institutes and polytechnics.

She has had a distinguished career in public service with the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, Canada Public Service Agency (now the Treasury Board), Human Resources Development Canada, National Defence, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Heritage and the Public Service Commission.

“With a background in sciences and justice studies, the world is open for you,” said Amyot in her speech to graduates. “Without each of you, the world would not be the same, and this responsibility needs to be taken seriously because today and in the years ahead you can make a difference.  This is what your time at Loyalist College was all about, ensuring you have the skills to change and adapt, think and grow, succeed and improve.”

Amyot was also presented with an honorary diploma in Applied Arts and Technology.

424 graduates in the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology, and School of Business and Management Studies were honoured in the third of four ceremonies.

Sonja Bata delivered the convocation address. Mrs. Bata is Chairman of Batawa Development Corporation and the Founding Chairman of the Bata Shoe Museum. In 1946, she married Thomas J. Bata, the son of a well-known Czechoslovakian shoe manufacturer whose family enterprise was nationalized under the Communist occupation. She shared her husband’s determination to rebuild the organization and took an active interest in what was to become a global footwear business. Her combined interest in design and shoes has led to an extensive collection at the Bata Shoe Museum, showcasing the evolution of footwear from many cultures and historic periods. She has received multiple honours and awards, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

“Look at the future with confidence,” she said during her address. “It is up to you to shape your life. Take initiative and be an entrepreneur. You as an individual can make changes by taking interest in global affairs and trying to add value to society. Your college education taught you how to learn and how to increase your knowledge. Education can never be taken away from you.”

In recognition of her lifelong passion for design excellence, her focus and advocacy as a community leader, and her vision and leadership in innovative projects, she was presented with an Honorary Diploma, the college’s highest academic tribute.

At the final ceremony 889 graduates in the School of Media, Arts and Design and the School of Continuing Education were honoured.

Robert Fisher, an award-winning broadcast journalist with more than 30 years of experience in public and private radio and television gave the address.
Fisher was a senior news anchor and political affairs specialist for the Global Television Network and spent 10 years with CBC Television, reporting on national, provincial and municipal politics. Along with his responsibilities at CBC, he teaches Journalism Law and Ethics at Centennial College in Toronto.

“Cherish this moment,” he told graduates. “It is important. It represents the culmination of a lot of hard work. No one will ever be able to take this day away from you. That piece of paper you’re going to get will say so. For those of you who have chosen journalism, I am here to ask you to make it more than a job. I occasionally say to myself: I get paid to do this work? I have covered stories big and small. I have travelled the world – this great province and country – talking to people about the issues that matter to them. I have interviewed Princes, Premiers and Prime Ministers, great authors – First Nations chiefs. In short, in my more than 40 years of journalism, I consider myself a lucky guy. I know and I hope that someday you’ll be able to say the same thing. Congratulations. And the very best to you in years that are ahead of you.”

Fisher was presented with an Honorary Diploma in Applied Arts & Technology.