Award-winning author Rod McQueen addresses the second of four Ceremonies
Belleville, Ontario, June 7, 2012 – At the 45th Annual Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, June 7th beginning at 2:30 p.m., Loyalist College proudly presented 392 diplomas and certificates in recognition of the academic accomplishments of students in the Centre of Justice Studies and School of Business and Management Studies. The Convocation ceremony was the second of four, recognizing a total of 1,956 Loyalist graduates.
The convocation address was delivered by guest speaker Rod McQueen, one of Canada’s best known and respected authors, who won the National Business Book Award for Who Killed Confederation Life? The Inside Story and the Canadian Authors Association award in history for his best-seller, The Eatons: The Rise and Fall of Canada’s Royal Family. He has also written Manulife: How Dominic D’Alessandro Built a Global Giant and Fought to Save It (2009), and BlackBerry: The Inside Story of Research In Motion (2010). His next book, Driven to Succeed, describes entrepreneur Frank Hasenfratz and the auto parts company he founded, Linamar.
“Congratulations to all graduates of the School of Business and Management Studies and the Centre for Justice Studies,” said Mr. McQueen. “Convocation may seem like an ending, but it isn’t. It’s what you learn next that counts. Loyalist College has given you skills including how to think … but what are you going to think about, what are you going to do with your life now?”
In his speech, Mr. McQueen shared his top secrets of life for graduates: “Do what you enjoy and enjoy what you do. Without a passion for something … you’ll achieve nothing. I write books; I’ve written more than a dozen books in the last thirty years. So I’m passionate about writing. If you asked me, ‘If you could do anything you want tomorrow, what would it be?’ I’d reply, ‘I’d like to spend the day writing.’ I try to write 500 words a day. If you do that every day for a year; you’ll have more than enough words for a book.
Full-time jobs are hard to come by. So why not start your own business? Be your own boss. All you have to do is believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? What sort of business could you start? Well, what are you good at? Maybe someone is willing to pay for what you can do, what you can make, the great invention or new idea you have. Canada desperately needs more entrepreneurs. Just remember: If you can dream it, you can do it.”
In appreciation of his memorable address to the graduating class of 2012, Mr. McQueen was presented with an honorary diploma in Business and Management Studies. This academic tribute recognizes his outstanding contributions as a Canadian author and journalist, which have helped to advance the narrative of Canada on business, finance, politics and history.
Born in Guelph, Ontario, Mr. McQueen is now based in Toronto, and has had experience living and working in London, England; Washington, D.C.; and Florence, Italy. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in 1967 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2007, both from the University of Western Ontario. In addition to freelance writing, Mr. McQueen has worked as Managing and Business Editor at Maclean’s Magazine, Bureau Chief for The Financial Post and Senior Writer at the National Post.
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. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. 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.
(L-R) Guest speaker Rod McQueen was presented with an honorary diploma in Business and Management Studies by Loyalist Board Chair Stuart Wright
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For more information contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Media Relations Specialist
Loyalist College
613-969-1913 ext. 2536