President and CEO of Academica Group Inc. Rodney Skinkle Addresses Convocation Ceremony for the Schools of Health Sciences and Human Studies
Belleville, Ontario, June 5, 2014 – During the Loyalist College 47th Annual Convocation Ceremony on the morning of Thursday, June 5th, Loyalist proudly presented 447 graduating students in the Schools of Health Sciences and Human Studies with advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates. The Convocation ceremony was the first of four, being held in the Kente Building over two days. Altogether, 2,070 Loyalist students will graduate, having successfully completed their program of study. Chair of the Loyalist Board, Tamara Kleinschmidt, officially opened Convocation and welcomed graduates, their families and friends, and guest speaker, Rodney Skinkle.
Mr. 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.
“Today you turn the page,” said Mr. Skinkle during his speech to graduates. “It is not a new book but a new chapter. There will be good chapters and challenging ones. You cannot look ahead in this book to see how it ends. And, you don’t want to because the joy is in the journey. I am very proud of my education at Loyalist College that set me off on my ongoing journey and proud to be among you, as Loyalist Alum! Today is your day. Now is your time.”
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to post-secondary education research and progress in Canada as Co-Founder, President and CEO of Academica Group Inc., Mr. Skinkle was presented with an Honorary Diploma in Applied Arts and Technology. In addition, he was presented with the Hugh P. O’Neil Outstanding Alumni Award in recognition of his exceptional career success and leadership.
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 over 70 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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Media Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director of Marketing and Communications,
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536