Loyalist College sent its latest graduates out into the world last week as 2,526 students graduated during the school’s 56th annual convocation ceremonies held June 6 – 9.
The ceremonies opened with inspiring words from Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick and Chair of the Loyalist College Board of Governors Pam Jolliffe and included speeches from the 2023 Valedictorians and honorary diploma recipients and of course the handing out of diplomas.
“To the Class of 2023 – congratulations on this incredible milestone,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Throughout our region and across the country, Loyalist College grads are essential members of the workforce, delivering services in health care and justice, skilled trades, business, creative arts, applied sciences and more. Our grads are entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders dedicated to creating economic growth and positive social change. As our newest cohort of graduates, you are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to achieve career success, and a deep sense of social responsibility that will help you make a meaningful impact in your communities. Know that you will always have a home here at Loyalist College, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.”
The College presented Rachel Nelson, a graduate of the Paralegal program, with the prestigious Governor General’s Academic Medal. The Collegiate Bronze Medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall average upon graduation from a diploma-level post-secondary program. Rachel graduates with an outstanding academic record and a cumulative average of 97.7 percent.
Valedictorians
Michelle Derry
Advertising and Marketing Communications – Creative Design
Rachel Nelson
Paralegal
Michael Nguyen
Biotechnology
Temiloluwa Nosa-Aguebor
Supply Chain Management – Global Logistics
Rajam Vasantha Nair
Cyber Security
Anna Marie Wilson
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant
Xiaoli Zhao
Business – Accounting
Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award
The Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Janak Alford, Chief Technology Officer and Enterprise Architect at the Government of Canada. A 2002 graduate of the College’s Architectural Technician diploma program, Mr. Alford was honoured for his remarkable achievements as an entrepreneur, designer, and leader in enterprise technology.
Honorary Diploma Recipients
Monique Belair
Fire Chief, Kingston Fire & Rescue Services
Hanna Bunton
Professional Canadian Hockey Player
Josiah Fallaise
Founder and Owner of FDF Raceshop
Pam Jolliffe
Outgoing Chair, Loyalist College Board of Governors
Shelby Lisk
Photographer, Filmmaker, and Journalist
Lisa Kirbie
Founder and CEO, Blackbird Strategies
Henry Saulnier
Warden, Millhaven Institution
Mike Shoreman
