Loyalist College recognizes graduates with online Convocation celebrations

Belleville, Ontario, June 12, 2020 – This month, 2,225 Loyalist College students will graduate with 2,311 postsecondary credentials, including Ontario College advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates. They join a supportive network of more than 44,000 Loyalist alumni living coast-to-coast-to-coast and around the world. Although the June Convocation Ceremonies have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Loyalist is recognizing graduates virtually through the College’s Online Convocation Webpage.

1,494 diplomas and certificates will be conferred on 1,439 graduates in the:

School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology

School of Media, Business and Access 

817 diplomas and certificates will be conferred on 786 graduates in the:

Centre for Advancement of Teaching and Learning

School of Health, Human and Justice Studies 

Graduates will receive their certifications in the mail, along with a congratulatory letter from Bob Forder, Chair of the Loyalist College Board of Governors, on behalf of the Board of Governors, and a letter from Loyalist President and CEO, Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan.

Valedictorians

“The 2020 Valedictorians are graduating students who achieved high academic standing and made exceptional contributions to the College and our communities,” said President Vaughan. “These seven student leaders initiated courageous conversations around students’ issues, ranging from mental health, food insecurity and homelessness to inequality and violence. They each introduced important changes on campus that help foster a healthy and mindful learning and student life environment which values respect, diversity and equality for all individuals.”

Alicia Douglas, Community and Justice Services, 2020; Police Foundations, 2019
During her time at the College, Ms. Douglas was an advocate for students and an active participant in student government. She acted as Residence Assistant, as well as Justice Studies Leader for the 2018-2019 academic year, and Student Government President during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Caleb Seguin, Photojournalism, 2020
Mr. Seguin was Captain of the Men’s Varsity Volleyball team at Loyalist. He has been recognized for his leadership at the College with numerous awards including the President’s Student Leadership Award for his involvement in the Talk Tuesday campaign, advocating for more mental health conversations and support on campus. He now holds two diplomas, including one in Digital Photography.

Hannah Dossett, Esthetics & Spa Management, 2020
Ms. Dossett holds a certificate in Pre-Health Sciences. In addition to her athletic excellence and leadership on the Women’s Varsity Volleyball team, she maintained an outstanding academic record, consistently attaining Dean’s List. She was a recipient of the President’s Student Leadership Award for her contributions to the Talk Tuesday mental health campaign.

Hardik Patel, Computer Systems Technician, 2020
Mr. Patel participated in many important initiatives and activities during his time at Loyalist and has been recognized with numerous awards for his leadership at the College. He was a Residence Assistant, as well as Student Government Vice-President during the 2019-2020 academic year.

Ryan Mallon, Social Service Worker, 2020
Mr. Mallon acted as class representative during his second year of the Social Service Worker program, and conducted valuable research for Loyalist’s Intergenerational Home Sharing Program: College Students Co-living with Older Adults project. Outside of school, he volunteers with the 18^th Belleville Cub Scouts Canada.

Rachel O’Sullivan, Practical Nursing, 2020
During her time at the College, Ms. O’Sullivan maintained an outstanding academic record, graduating with Dean’s List standing and receiving the Dean’s Commendation. She is a Registered Practical Nurse on the Acute Medicine Unit at Belleville General Hospital.

Taylor Wightman, Public Relations – Event Management, 2020; Customs Border Services, 2019
In three years, Ms. Taylor has graduated from two Loyalist programs. She was a member of the Women’s Varsity Soccer team and a staff member at the Campus Fitness Centre. A recipient of the President’s Student Leadership Award, she was actively involved in the Talk Tuesday mental health campaign.

Watch the Valedictorians’ video speeches.

Presentation of Honorary Diplomas and Prestigious Awards

Nandini Amitkumar Patel is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal, which recognizes exceptional academic achievement at the College. The Collegiate Bronze Medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall average upon graduation from a diploma-level, postsecondary program. Ms. Patel is a graduate of the Early Childhood Education program, with an outstanding academic record and a cumulative average of 97.78 percent.

Achievement Awards

Other distinctions awarded this year include the Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades. The W. Garfield Weston Foundation is a private Canadian family foundation, established in the 1950s by Willard Garfield Weston and his wife, Reta. The Scholarship was established as a pilot program at Loyalist in 2013 and provides financial support and recognition to students in the skilled trades.

Twenty-six Weston Family Scholars graduated this year, in:

Carpentry and Renovation Techniques

• Wyatt Craig, Stirling