THUNDER BAY – Confederation College celebrated 1618 graduates who received certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas at the Confederation College’s 2019 Convocation ceremonies hosted at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
The morning ceremony featured Graduands from the School of Aviation, Engineering Technology and Trades as well as the School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts. The afternoon ceremony featured the School of Health, Negahneewin and Community Services.
Confederation College President Kathleen Lynch, presided over the ceremonies. “Convocation is an exciting time for everyone at Confederation College,” she said. “As we watch students cross the stage, we are all moved by their great accomplishment and proud of the hard work and commitment they have demonstrated to reach this important milestone. We wish our graduates continued success as they move forward into the next phase of their journey and remind them that Confederation College will always support them.”
President Lynch conferred the Governor General’s Academic Medal during the morning ceremony. This award is presented to the student who has achieved the highest academic standing at the College in the final year of a diploma level post-secondary program earning an average of 80% or better.
The recipient of the Governor General’s Award for 2019 is Sarah McFarlane, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA from the two-year Tourism – Travel and Eco-Adventure program. McFarlane was also awarded the Academic Award of Excellence for her program, the President’s Award for the School of Business, Hospitality and Media Arts, and the Derek and Joan Burney Award.
McFarlane’s dedication to her program was evident from the first day of class. She has always looked for ways to further her knowledge and has demonstrated an exemplary performance in her studies within the program, both on an academic and personal level. McFarlane was instrumental during the planning stages of the student-led Tourism Fair hosted in April 2019. She conducted a secondary school analysis to match their curriculum with the program’s vocational learning outcomes to create a positive and great learning experience for secondary students participating in the Fair. McFarlane’s passion for the aviation industry landed her a job with Westjet Airlines early in the program and she looks forward to continuing her work there.
The SUCCI/OASA Student Leadership Award was presented to Cody Kyle. Kyle is graduating from the Aviation – Flight Management program. The Student Leadership Award is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, is a positive role model and has effected change. Kyle demonstrates the best qualities and traits you want in a leader. One of his main initiatives as Senator of Aviation on the SUCCI Board was to improve student tutoring. He was always ready to support his classmates in their studies or in any other matter.