Orillia Campus — Ceremony #1

Saturday, June 3, 2017 (Afternoon)

Madame Chancellor. 

Family. 

Friends. 

Faculty and staff. 

Distinguished guests.

Graduands. 

Today, we celebrate your achievements.

Today, we celebrate your transformation.

After years of work, years of thought and study, years of effort and success, and after times of tears and laughter, you will walk across the stage, shake the hand of our chancellor, and receive your degree or diploma.

You came to this university of one person. You leave as another.

Welcome to the next chapter of your life’s journey.

Your education and experience at Lakehead has transformed you.

But the real magic happens when those who have been changed by our university have an impact on society.

Changed through learning is at the heart of education.

Improving our community is at heart of service create

Transforming our world is that the heart of citizenship.

You have been transformed, and, in turn, you will transform others.

 You will change our world. You will make our world better.

As President of Lakehead University, I am continuously impressed by what can be accomplished when people from within the hour province, across our country, and around the world —  with different beliefs, languages, and cultures —  come here to learn, to teach, to work, and to live together.

We cannot help but be changed by that experience.

And by been changed —  by exploring whole new worlds of knowledge —  each of you, intern, can and will transform everything around us by going into the world and contributing to communities in your own unique ways.

I have seen you do remarkable things for those in need:

Whitney Page, who is graduating with an Honors Bachelor of Social Work, received the Lloyd Dennis Award for Outstanding Citizenship. She founded Lakehead University Pride —  a campus club that welcomes and supports those who identify as gender and sexually diverse, and their allies.

Graduating international student Yukiya Sasagawa won an award for improving the lives of fellow immigrants. Yukiya is a Georgian College transfer student who was recognized for his volunteer work with immigrants and refugees by the County of Simcoe.

And education graduates Dave Venneri and Ryan Pasquin helped develop an experiential-based learning model for Camp Couchiching’s Climbing Tree Experiential Tutoring program.  Their program helps students rebuild their relationship of learning through hands-on, active learning with props and resources, and outdoor learning.

Graduands, you have all shown us that integrity and compassion are at the core of what it means to be a Lakehead University student.

Now you can show us what it is to be a Lakehead University alumni.

It is you who continue to build and contribute to Lakehead’s proud reputation.

You have all proven that education is the most potent tool we can use to change ourselves and our communities, as well as to create a peaceful and prosperous society.

But while changer is at the heart of education, what does education actually do?

Education empowers.

Education empowers by opening our minds and opening doors.

Education empowers by leading us to more opportunities and choices.

And, education and powers by creating change-makers.

Graduands, you have been shaped by education and by your experience at Lakehead University.

You were challenged.

You were tested.

Now, you are transformed.

Congratulations, class of 2017!