Geomatics Convocation

Posted on Friday, October 2nd, 2020

The prepared remarks of President Claude Brulé.

May 15, 2020

Good morning, everyone. Bonjour à tous et à toutes. Kwe.

I am honoured to be with you today, even if only virtually, to celebrate this very special occasion for the Geomatics Technician Program Class of 2020. Congratulations to all the graduates — you have worked hard for this day, and you have earned your certificate.

Since 2007, Algonquin College has collaborated with the Canadian Forces to deliver a college-approved certificate in Geomatics. We are very proud of this partnership and I would like to thank everyone with the Canadian Forces who continues to make this possible. On behalf of the Board of Governors of Algonquin College, I want to congratulate this year’s graduates for their accomplishment.

I know that many of you have friends and family who cannot be at your side today, but who are thinking about you from afar with love and pride. Many of these people have likely helped you in some way as you have taken this journey. I hope you will join with me in acknowledging this supporting cast — when you get home, be sure to call them, email them, text them, or Zoom them and say a word of love and thanks.

 

Even though this ceremony is not what you imagined it would be, I would urge you to place it in context. It is true that you have probably dreamed of this day throughout your course — what it would feel like to stand on stage, to hold your certificate, to hug your friends and family in celebration.

But what you were really looking forward to was what all those things symbolized: that you had accomplished your goal. And that still holds true. Remember that no one and nothing, not even a global pandemic, can take that from you. That you did this in such extraordinary times should make you all the more proud. Despite all that you have faced, you never lost your direction.

Of course, we would accept nothing less from a group of experts in geomatics. But even though you are skilled in charting a course, I want to tell you that there are times ahead when you may feel lost. Life is full of challenges that, just like our recent situation, seemingly come out of nowhere.

Do not let these things stop you, for it is then that it is most important to press on. The unexpected directions, the fork in the road we didn’t think we’d take, the path that appears dark and sometimes fraught with difficulty — all of these can lead to new beginnings. It is during these times that we must lean on friends and family, take the advice of trusted mentors, and draw strength from lessons learned in the past. It is also these times that can lead us to the most rewarding and valued experiences of our lives, simply because they were hard won.

This convocation was hard won. And at times, I’m sure you wondered how you were going to graduate in these strange and often unsettling times. That you are here today is a testament to your dedication, perseverance and strength of character. It is a sign that your inner compass, the one that will be your guide for the rest of your lives, is ready to point you in the right direction.

As someone with my own ties to the Canadian Forces, I know that you will all have fulfilling careers, surrounded by our country’s very best. I spent nearly two decades in the Air Force, the motto of which is Per Ardua Ad Astra — “Through Adversity to the Stars.”

You have navigated through adversity now, and you will do so again. When you do, hold tight to your compass, the one that has served you so well these past few months, and keep your eyes and your mind focused on the future and your goals.

If you do, I promise you that the path through that adversity will be easier to bear, and that your steps will be guided by the starlight of limitless possibility.

Thank you. Merci. Miigwetch.


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