Loyalist College celebrates graduates at 58th annual Convocation ceremonies

Belleville, ON, June 18, 2025 – Loyalist College rolled out the red carpet to celebrate more than 3,000 graduating students this month during 12 Convocation ceremonies held June 4 – 6 and June 9 – 11 at the Belleville campus.  

Friends, family, community members, as well as college faculty and staff filled the gymnasium to cheer on the 2025 graduates as they crossed the stage and received their credentials. Each ceremony began with the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen, or “The Words Before All Else,” delivered by Dr. Tewathahá:kwa Jennifer Maracle, Executive Director of Indigenous Engagement and Applied Research. Loyalist College Board of Governors representatives and President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick addressed the graduates, acknowledging the resilience they have demonstrated and the skills they have developed. 

“To the Class of 2025, my heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment,” said President Kirkpatrick. “Whether you arrived at Loyalist from our surrounding communities or travelled here from across the world, your stories have the power to inspire those around you and show what’s possible with the right opportunities and support. You’re stepping into a rapidly evolving world that’s calling for bold ideas and adaptability. Our communities need your perspective and skills, and we’re confident you’ll rise to the occasion to lead with purpose.”

Four valedictorians, selected for their academic achievement, leadership, and contributions inside and outside the classroom, represented each of the college’s four academic schools. Together, they reflected the diversity of programs and lived experiences at Loyalist. Some spoke about personal growth; others reflected on the learning experiences and the sense of community they found at the college. 

“My experience allowed me to become more independent,” observed Jessica Dunk, graduate of the Community Integration Through Co-operative Education program and a 2025 Valedictorian for the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. “I made friends along the way and built connections within the college community. I know I have gone above and beyond my expectations for myself.” 

During his valedictory speech, graduate Chukwuka (Peter) Okumbor shared his story of arriving in Canada with a mission to build a better life. “I travelled roughly 7,000 miles from Nigeria into this beautiful country without a clear roadmap – just a mission to provide a better life for my family as the first child.” Chukwuka, a graduate of the college’s Electrical Techniques program, was valedictorian for the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology. “Loyalist is a place that empowered me to say yes to opportunities, yes to taking initiative and no to limiting boundaries,” he added.  

During the ceremonies, the college presented Matthew Down, a graduate of the Computer Systems Technician program, with the Governor General’s Academic Medal. The Collegiate Bronze Medal is awarded to the student with the highest overall average in a diploma-level post-secondary program. Matthew completed his program with a remarkable average of 99.23 percent. 

Another highlight of the ceremonies was the community leaders who took to the stage to congratulate graduates and offer words of encouragement. Loyalist College alumna Nicole Flynn, an award-winning activist and public speaker, addressed the graduates after receiving the 2025 Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of her community leadership and advocacy for disability justice. In addition, four honorary diplomas were awarded to individuals for excellence in their fields and contributions to their communities. 

To relive the moments, watch the 2025 Convocation ceremonies online. 
 
Valedictorians 

Jessica Cummings 
Business
 
Jessica Dunk 
Community Integration Through Co-operative Education 

Emily Mealing 
Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant
 
Chukwuka (Peter) Okumbor 
Electrical Techniques

Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award

Nicole Flynn
Speaker, Advocate and CEO of Nicole Flynn Enterprises 

Honorary Diploma Recipients

Lisa Ali
CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association Hastings Prince Edward

Regyna Armonas
Olympian and Former Ontario Provincial Police Officer

Chandy Davis
Co-Owner, Electro Cables Inc.

Taylor Russett
Owner, The Grind & Vine, Russett Photography and Lafferty’s Menswear

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