It had been two long years since Algonquin College had celebrated its graduates with an in person ceremony, but on Friday, June 3 the traditional pomp and circumstance of a convocation ceremony returned to the venerable Pembroke Memorial Centre. The 70-year old arena that has hosted the Pembroke Campus annual celebration of its graduates for more than a decade was transformed, decorated in black curtains, large video screens and a well lit stage with the College’s Coat of Arms as its focal point.
All of the elements of a convocation ceremony were back. The President’s address, a message from the school valedictorian, the conferring of certificates, diplomas and degrees and most noticeably, the clapping and cheering for the graduates. It was special. It reminded all of us of what we had missed over the past 24 months.
President Claude Brulé delivered a fitting message, reminding the graduates that life “is a zig zag,” encouraging them to pull together all of their life experiences to create their pathway for success. “Instead, build your life portfolio with a variety of experiences — some from work, some from your social and family activities, some from your hobbies or leisure time. Together, it will create a mosaic that is uniquely you, a rich profile that will take you places you might not have originally imagined, where your passion makes a difference and your tenacity makes you proud,” said the President.
Pembroke Campus Valedictorian, Steven Lafond, knew exactly what the President was talking about. He had landed what he considered a dream job on Canada’s west coast shortly before the pandemic began in March of 2020, working as a production manager for a theatre in Vancouver. In an instant, he was out of work as the arts and entertainment industry was plunged into darkness. Lafond faced an uncertain future. He chose to return to school, enrolling in the Business program at the Pembroke Campus.
Lafond told the graduates, “Some of you may have faced a similar crossroads. As a mature student, returning to college wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew it was the right decision for me.” (Campus valedictorian Steven Lafond of the Business program is all smiles after the ceremony.)
The decision to attend college has already paid off. Lafond has secured a full-time position with the federal government, working as Ministerial Appointments Officer for the Corporate Secretariat. His message to his classmates reflected on his own experience facing adversity, but stressed the importance of controlling your own destiny.
“So be confident — be bold! And most importantly believe in yourself. Because if you can earn a college certificate, diploma or degree during a pandemic, you can do anything,” said Lafond.
(Acting Dean Sarah Hall presents the graduates to the President, recommending them for graduation.)
Some graduates chose to watch the ceremony online, but many did attend in person as did their families. Physical distancing and mask wearing were required, but no one minded. Everyone was just happy to be marking this significant milestone in the lives of our graduates, who have now moved on to become alumni of Algonquin College.
Congratulations to the class of 2022!
(Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs)
It started with the Pembroke Campus receiving an Excellence in Education Award from the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce. Through a public voting exercise, the Campus was acknowledged for the impact it has on the community through the provision of providing access to post-secondary education and training. It was the second year in a row that the College had won the award, but it was only an appetizer for what was to come in a very special week.
