Loyalist College honours graduates at 57th Convocation ceremonies

It was a momentous week for the Class of 2024 and the 2,558 Loyalist College students who crossed the stage at a series of Convocation ceremonies that took place from June 4 – 7.

Walking the red carpet through the college entrance, graduates and their loved ones celebrated alongside college faculty, staff, alumni and special guests. Many more joined the festivities virtually, cheering on the graduates from around the world via livestream.

Each Convocation ceremony began with the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen, which translates to “The Words Before All Else,” delivered by Tewathahá:kwa Jennifer Maracle, Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation. The ceremonies also featured inspiring remarks from Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick, the 2024 honorary diploma recipients, and the Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award recipient.

Graduates’ academic achievements and community spirit were front and centre throughout the week, with Valedictorians delivering heartfelt speeches reflecting on the people and experiences that made their Loyalist education unique. Many students remarked on the college’s close-knit and supportive learning environment.

“So many of us think of Loyalist as our second home, and that’s because of the atmosphere of care and support that surrounds all of us when we step onto this campus,” said Raven Chartrand, Student Government President, 2024 Valedictorian and graduate of the Environmental Technology program, in her Valedictorian speech. “This institution is filled with people waiting to help you with whatever you need, whether it be an academic, financial, or personal issue.”

Valedictorians also spoke about the hands-on training they received in their academic programs, which has prepared them to make a positive impact in their communities.

“We have all chosen career paths that involve helping others,” said Customs Border Services graduate and 2024 Valedictorian Elayna Reid, as she addressed her peers in the School of Health, Human and Justice Studies. “We will be the first ones called when people need help, and our academic and life lessons have proven that we are more than capable of doing so.”
The college presented Michelle Sheil, a graduate of the General Arts and Science 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. Michelle graduates with an outstanding academic record and a cumulative average of 97.59 percent.

President Kirkpatrick echoed the significance of Loyalist’s community-focused approach and acknowledged students’ hard work and perseverance.

“In a world that can be fraught with turmoil, tension, and uncertainty, community is more important than ever,” says President Kirkpatrick. “Loyalist aspires to be a safe space where individuals from all walks of life can come together, learn from one another, and forge bonds that transcend borders, barriers, and differences. It is within this vibrant, caring, and supportive environment that I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible moments that define our Loyalist experience. I’ve watched varsity games, danced at Holi, and cheered you on with our mascots, Lanny and Sharkie – but the most meaningful event for me is always Convocation, when I have the honour of celebrating the achievements, sheer determination, and hard work of our graduating students.”

Relive Loyalist College’s celebration of student success by watching the 2024 Convocation ceremonies here.

Valedictorians 

Elayna Reid

Customs Border Services

Sierra Dillabough

Social Service Worker

Trevor Knapaysweet

Journalism – Communications

Melissa Persaud

Business

Ashleigh Casey

Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mercy Tuga

Culinary Management

Willow Empson

Welding and Fabrication Technician

Raven Chartrand

Environmental Technology

Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award 

Kenneth Jackson

Investigative Reporter for the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)

Honorary Diploma Recipients 

Rick Caddick, CMM III 

Deputy Fire Chief, City of Quinte West and Mutual Aid Coordinator, Hastings & Prince Edward Counties 

Peter Gabriel

No Limits Youth Organization Co-Founder and Skyhawks Football President

Shamsa Hassan

Founder of Afiya Beauty

Dr. Karima Velji

Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice; ADM, Ministry of Health

Jamie Kennedy

Chef and Owner of Jamie Kennedy Kitchens 

Tabatha Bull

President and CEO of Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

Dr. Robert Sanderson

Former Mayor, Port Hope

About Loyalist College 
Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities. 

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Contact: 
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com