The University of Ontario Institute of Technology hosts its three convocation ceremonies Friday, June 3 at the General Motors Centre.
This special day celebrate the success of the eighth graduating class of UOIT students both while they were in school and for their bright future.
The first ceremony got underway at 9:30 Friday morning, with programs including Bachelors of Engineering, Science and Nursing and Masters of Applied Science and Engineering and Doctors of Laws and Philosophy taking to the stage.
Heartstrings Quartet, members of the Durham Youth Orchestra, performed the entry and exit music, while the university’s choir, Ithemba welcomed guests to sing along with their performance of O’Canada.
Departing university president, Ron Bordessa spoke to graduates during his opening remarks, asking them to be proud of their accomplishments and celebrate their hard work.
“Your UOIT degree prepared you well to excel in today’s knowledge-driven society,” he said. “Your future is bright.”
This sentiment was echoed by the morning’s honorary degree recipient, Dr. Doris Grinspun. “You have every right to feel tremendous pride, achievement and, yes, even relief,” she said with a laugh. Dr. Grinspun urged graduates to change the world and make a difference. “You have been given the privilege of education. Now, take the responsibility to do something with it.”
The two-hour ceremony wasn’t all laughter and pride, however. When Bordessa acknowledged that this was the last graduation ceremony that he will preside over as president, he had a moment of sadness. “I am leaving for retirement from a career that’s brought me considerable joy,” he said, acknowledging that both himself and the graduates should pause and savour the moment.
More information about UOIT can be found on their website. For the live webcast stream of graduation from the General Motors Centre, click here.
UOIT grads celebrate success
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