Convocation Ceremonies for the Schools of Building Sciences and Human Studies
Belleville, Ontario, June 6, 2013 – At the 46th Annual Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, June 6th beginning at 10 a.m., Loyalist College proudly presented 395 successful candidates in the School of Building Sciences and School of Human Studies with 324 diplomas, 62 advanced diplomas, and nine certificates.
The Convocation ceremony was the first of four, being held in the Kente Building over two days. Altogether, 2,204 Loyalist students will graduate, having successfully completed the required curricula in their program of study. Chair of the Loyalist Board, Stuart Wright, officially opened Convocation and welcomed graduates and their families and friends, as well as guest speaker, Vern Haggerty.
Mr. Haggerty is the recently retired Manager of 8 Wing Trenton’s Capital Construction Program with Defence Construction Canada (DCC). During his 30-year career with DCC, Mr. Haggerty saw CFB Trenton grow exponentially into one of Canada’s largest and busiest air bases. Before retiring in April 2013, he was involved in $385 Million worth of construction contracts on a $500 Million program. Mr. Haggerty has always promoted skilled trades and technologies as viable, first choice career options for Ontario youth. In 2011, Mr. Haggerty accepted the Loyalist College Employer Recognition Award on behalf of DCC in recognition of employers who have hired Loyalist grads, promoted the College within their organization, and supported employees who give back to the College. He is a 1978 graduate of Loyalist’s Water Resources Technician – Environmental program.
“Begin with the end in mind,” said Mr. Haggerty during his speech to graduates. “Recognize the benefits of a collaborative partnership and how your relationship with your manager or co-workers can be a tool for success. As employees or entrepreneurs, you will make a difference. To the employers in the audience here today and to our future hiring managers, please give our new graduates an opportunity. I will always be thankful to the person who gave me that chance. To my fellow alumni, forget your limits and believe in your dreams. You can accomplish great things every day by striving to achieve them. Today, Loyalist is our College; tomorrow, it’s your future. Congratulations!”
In appreciation of his outstanding contributions to Loyalist College, CFB Trenton, and the Quinte region, Mr. Haggerty 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 community leadership during the last three decades. Alumni Association President Rosemary Rooke presented the Award, which was named after Hugh P. O’Neil in 1998 by the Board of Governors, in honour of his leadership as Chair of the College’s ‘Foundations for the New Millennium’ Campaign.
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. A testament to the College’s strength is the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) released on April 17, indicating that 87% of Loyalist College graduates found employment within six months of graduation, compared to the average provincial rate of 83.6% for Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. 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.
-30-
Media Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications, Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536