Belleville, Ontario, May 28, 2014 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce the speakers for the 2014 Convocation Ceremonies on Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6 in the Kente Building. The four convocation ceremonies are a unique occasion to recognize new graduates and celebrate their accomplishments with their families and friends.
Thursday, June 5
Time: 10:00 a.m. School of Health Sciences
School of Human Studies
Guest Speaker
Mr. Rodney Skinkle is President and CEO of Academica Group Inc., a top provider of higher education policy, consumer research and enrolment consulting. A 1979 Loyalist College Behavioural Science graduate, Mr. Skinkle has pioneered the development of research tools and studies for Canadian post-secondary institutions. In addition, he leads a thriving market and social policy research division focused on higher education accessibility, student success, education and career goal development. Before co-founding Academica, Mr. Skinkle was Coordinator of Research, Student Services at Western University and founded Acumen Research Group Inc. He has been an invited guest expert addressing trends in higher education for Canada AM, CBC and the Conference Board of Canada, to name a few. Mr. Skinkle has also published numerous studies in scholarly journals and presents his research to a wide range of policy and government groups.
Time: 2:30 p.m. School of Biosciences
School of Building Sciences
School of Justice Studies
Guest Speaker
Ms. Denise Amyot is President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), the national and international voice for 130 of Canada’s publicly funded colleges, institutes and polytechnics, serving 1.5 million learners of all ages and backgrounds. She has had a distinguished career in the public service with the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, Canada Public Service Agency (now the Treasury Board), Human Resources Development Canada, National Defence, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Heritage and the Public Service Commission. Dedicated to strong values-based leadership in the public service, Ms. Amyot is a sought-after speaker at both the national and international levels.
Friday, June 6
Time: 10:00 a.m. School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology
School of Business and Management Studies
Guest Speaker
Mrs. Sonja Bata, O.C., is the Chairman of Batawa Development Corporation and the Founding Chairman of the Bata Shoe Museum. In 1946 she married Thomas J. Bata, the son of a well-known Czechoslovakian shoe manufacturer whose family enterprise was nationalized under the Communist occupation. From the beginning, Mrs. Bata shared her husband’s determination to rebuild the organization and took an active interest in what was to become a global footwear business. Her combined interest in design and shoes has led to a very personal collection, with examples from many cultures and historic periods. Mrs. Bata believes strongly that in a democratic country, citizens should actively contribute their talents to community needs. This belief is reflected in her many philanthropic activities and active volunteerism. She has received multiple honours and awards, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Time: 2:30 p.m. School of Media, Arts and Design
School of Continuing Education
Guest Speaker
Mr. Robert Fisher is an award-winning broadcast journalist with more than 30 years of experience in public and private radio and television. He keeps CBC listeners up-to-date on what is happening in the world on CBC Radio One’s regional program “Here and Now,” and also acts as a political analyst for CBC Radio in Windsor. Before his career in radio, Mr. Fisher was a Senior News Anchor and Political Affairs Specialist for the Global Television Network and spent 10 years with CBC Television, reporting on national, provincial and municipal politics. Along with his responsibilities at CBC, he teaches Journalism Law and Ethics at Centennial College in Toronto.
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 65 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. 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.
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Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing and Communications
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, 613-969-1913 ext. 2536