Keyano celebrates everyone's favourite day - Convocation - 2012
Sat, 12/05/2012 - 6:00pm | by Anonymous
Photo by Sean McLennan, Keyano College ShareThis
For immediate release
May 12, 2012
Keyano celebrates everyone’s favourite day – Convocation - 2012
“Dream big, you never know where your life will take you,” said Aaron Stevenson, Keyano’s Valedictorian for the Class of 2012 delivered his speech, as he reminded over 150 graduates, among this year’s 700 – the next chapter in their life is about to begin.
Photo by Sean McLennan, Keyano College
This year’s Convocation ceremony saw over 1000 people in attendance in Keyano’s Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre. It was also a special year that saw the initiation of new awards, and the commencement address delivered by noted community builder, former Keyano Board member, and retired Syncrude Canada President, Jim Carter.
“It’s a great delight for me to return to Keyano College today for this tremendous Convocation event. It is, after all, a time for us to celebrate all that our hardworking students have worked to achieve, and a time to wish you well as you embark on your future endeavours,” began Carter.
“It’s a great delight for me to return to Keyano College today for this tremendous Convocation event. It is, after all, a time for us to celebrate all that our hardworking students have worked to achieve, and a time to wish you well as you embark on your future endeavours,” began Carter.
“One of my greatest passions has been working to ensure that young people like you enjoy as much opportunity as I have had. And that’s why I dedicated many volunteer hours in support of Keyano College and students like you. So, while I don’t want to presume what your passion is, I do know that you can leverage it into many good things: a great career, a great business, or even better, a great community, if you apply yourself,” added Carter.
Michael Bird was the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal, who completed the Information Technology Diploma with a 3.99 GPA. The medal was created in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin. It is awarded to a full-time student who has achieved the highest overall grade point average upon graduation from a post-secondary diploma level program.
The newly created John H. Wilson Distinguished Governance Award, to honour a Keyano Board member, who goes above and beyond, was awarded to its namesake John Wilson and also to Jim Carter.
The Faculty Leadership Excellence Award went to Sherry Duncan, Chair, Childhood Studies, Keyano College, who was pleasantly surprised as she received the plaque from Ann Everatt, Vice President, Academic, Keyano College.
Dr. Kevin Nagel, President & CEO, Keyano College, congratulated the graduates and their family and friends for supporting them through the journey.
“Convocation is the highlight of the academic year. It links post-secondary institutions to their historic roots. You join a host of alumni today who help maintain the Keyano brand and its reputation,” Dr. Nagel said.
Long-time community leader Diane Slater was awarded with the Distinguished Citizen Award. Kuni Albert was the recipient of the Wall of Fame – Distinguished Alumni Award, while Mrs. Elsie Yanik, beloved Aboriginal elder received a standing ovation as she accepted her Honorary Diploma in Aboriginal Child & Family Services.
Congratulations Graduates and Award Winners!
For more information, please contact:
Kiran Malik-Khan
Communications Specialist
Marketing & Communications
Keyano College
780-791-8971
For real time updates follow us on Twitter @keyanocollege