College of the Rockies President and CEO David Walls presided over his first convocation ceremony, the College’s 38th, on Friday, May 30.
In his address to students, Walls referenced his adjustment to the College, saying, “I quickly learned that we have an extraordinary community of support and friendship at College of the Rockies. It is a community in which I hope you will continue to feel a part of no matter where your journey leads you.”
The ceremony kicked off with the presentation of the academic medals. The Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal, awarded to a student who has excelled in a vocational or career program and who contributed in a positive way to life at the College, was presented to Angela Beddome. Beddome completed the Human Service Worker certificate and has plans to return in the fall to complete the diploma level before moving on to University to complete a degree in Social Work.
The Governor General’s Bronze Medal, considered to be the greatest honour that can be bestowed upon a graduate of a two-year program, is awarded to the student who has achieved the highest academic standing upon graduating from a two-year diploma or associate degree program. This year’s recipient was Lisa Underwood. Underwood graduated from the Kinesiology diploma program and will be transferring to the University of British Columbia – Okanagan to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics.
Matthew Burr was the recipient of the President’s Award of Excellence. This is a new award at the College and is presented to a first or second year student, planning to complete a 4-year degree at COTR or elsewhere, who has achieved the highest cumulative grade-point average. Burr completed first year University Transfer Arts and Sciences courses and will transfer to the University of Alberta in the fall to enrol in their honours pure mathematics program. He hopes to eventually complete a PhD in pure mathematics and to work at a university, conducting research and, one day, teaching.
“It was a great thrill to present, along with our Board Chair Dave Handy, these medals to these worthy recipients. I am proud of each and every one of our graduates and to the terrific team we have in place at the College that played a part in each of their success stories,” Walls continues.
Photographs of the graduation ceremony can be found on the College’s Facebook page. Learn more about College of the Rockies.