Belleville, Ontario, June 7, 2013 – At the 46th Annual Convocation Ceremony on Friday, June 7th at 10 a.m., Loyalist College proudly presented 529 successful candidates in the School of Biosciences, School of Skilled Trades and Technology, and School of Business and Management Studies with 217 diplomas, 58 advanced diplomas, 250 certificates, and four graduate certificates. The Convocation ceremony was the third of four.
The convocation address was delivered by guest speaker Carol Stewart, President and CEO of Kellogg Canada Inc., and a member of the Kellogg North America Leadership Team. After beginning her career as a Brand Manager, Ms. Stewart held a number of progressively senior roles within the Canadian organization, including Vice-President, Marketing, where she was responsible for the company’s Convenience Foods. She was also Vice-President of the Canadian Sales team and Senior Vice-President, Sales.
“This room is filled with exactly the type of fresh technical knowledge and skills our country needs to compete and win in the 21st century economy,” said Ms. Stewart during her Convocation address. “Whether it is the science whizzes in chemistry, environmental science, or biotechnology from the School of Biosciences; or the Skilled Trades grads with their sector-specific know-how; or the Business and Management leaders of the future; you all now have the skills to hit the ground running and make a real and significant contribution.”
In appreciation of her memorable address to the graduating class of 2013 and in recognition of her industry leadership and advocacy for the community, Ms. Stewart was presented with an Honorary Diploma in Applied Arts and Technology.
“By providing needed expertise, Loyalist College has made us feel very welcome right from the start of our time here in Belleville,” said Ms. Stewart. “So, it is a real pleasure to be invited here to speak today. Convocation is a happy memory that you will look back on fondly when you are older. Graduating from college is no small feat. I encourage you to savour the moment.”
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. A testament to the College’s strength is the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) released on April 17, indicating that 87 percent of Loyalist College graduates found employment within six months of graduation, compared to the average provincial rate of 83.6 percent for Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
-30-
Media Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications, Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536