Loyalist College celebrates graduates at 59th annual Convocation ceremonies

Belleville, ON, June 12, 2026 – Applause and proud smiles filled the gymnasium at Loyalist as the college celebrated the achievements of 2,628 graduates during eight Convocation ceremonies held June 9 to 12 at the Belleville campus. 

Throughout the week, graduates crossed the stage to the cheers of family, friends, community members and college employees, while many more joined the festivities online through the college’s livestream. 

Each ceremony began with the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen, or “The Words Before All Else,” delivered by Dr. Tewathahá:kwa Jennifer Maracle, Executive Director, Indigenous Engagement and Applied Research. Graduates were also congratulated by representatives of the Loyalist College Board of Governors and President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick.

“At Loyalist, we prepare students to build rewarding careers as skilled and innovative professionals, but also to be engaged and thoughtful citizens who make meaningful contributions to their communities,” said Kirkpatrick. “As they move into the next stage of their lives and careers, our graduates are ready to support others, lead by example and create positive change. Our communities will be stronger because of their knowledge, skills and perspectives.” 

During the ceremonies, the college presented Eve Couto, 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. Eve completed the program with an exceptional grade point average of 97.76. 

Four valedictorians, recognized for their academic excellence, service and leadership, were selected to address the audience. Their speeches reflected the diverse experiences of the Class of 2026 and celebrated the connections, support and sense of belonging students find at Loyalist. 

“As we look around this room today, we see individuals from all walks of life, each with different stories, backgrounds and challenges, yet we all share the privilege of being here together,” Mustafa Alali, 2026 Valedictorian, and graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing program observed in his speech. “Some of us balanced school while working long hours, supporting our families, facing financial hardship, grieving the loss of loved ones, adapting to a new country or overcoming personal challenges that many people may never fully see or understand. Yet despite everything, we continued to show up for ourselves and for each other.” 

“We heard perspectives shaped by different cultures, values and life experiences, and we learned that disagreement doesn’t have to mean division,” added Shelby Neal, 2026 Valedictorian and graduate of Loyalist’s General Arts and Science program. “Sometimes it’s where the best learning begins.” 

To relive the celebrations, watch the 2026 Convocation ceremonies online. 

Valedictorians

Mustafa Alali
Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Shelby Neal
General Arts and Science  

Dylan Ramnarine
Carpentry and Renovation Technician 

Vamsidhar Reddy Nallamilli
Global Business Management 

Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award

Catharine Huff
Business Leader and Philanthropist 

Honorary Diploma Recipients

Chris King
CEO, Quinte Economic Development Commission   

Sheri Meeks
Deputy Chief, Belleville Police Service   

Tawnya Smith
Administrator, International Student Program and Student Leadership, Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board 

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 and Tyendinaga, 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. 

– 30 – 

  

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