THUNDER BAY — Lakehead University students are donning their caps and gowns and celebrating convocation in two Thunder Bay ceremonies on May 29 and 30.
The first ceremony on Thursday was for the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Law graduates.
Lakehead University President Gillian Siddall says it’s a special moment for the school to celebrate all the students hard work and achievements.
"It's an incredible moment, I think none of us will forget this,” said Siddall. “It is a lot of work to get to this point, it’s a lot of sacrifice and to have it all come together, and to celebrate it today is just a fabulous thing."
Graduates aren’t the only ones celebrating this year, Indigenous students completing one of Lakehead University’s Indigenous Access Programs are being formally recognized with a yellow honour cord, a first for the university.
"Having a fantastic prestigious university like LU to recognize the importance of this work, importance of the history and where we're going as a as a community, as a nation with the indigenous people, it's a beautiful recognition,” said Jean Paul Gladu, honorary degree recipient.
Gladu, a leader in Indigenous business and member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek received an honorary degree alongside Weagamow First Nation's Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power and prolific First Nation actress Jennifer Podemski.
"I have been very grateful and I have been able to take my learnings and my experience back home to my community and there's nothing better," said Gladu.
LU's Nancy Luckai, professor emeritus in forestry and ecology, and Kevin Cleghorn, professor of political science, were recognized as fellows of the university.
While some graduates are travelling across Canada, many are excited to stay and use their knowledge in Thunder Bay.
“I feel like home,” said graduate Gracious Okrah. “Being here has actually built me, it has helped me to do things that I thought I could never do.”
“Lakehead University is a place that you can be and build yourself,” she said.
Thursday evening convocation saw students from the faculties of education and health and behavioural sciences.
On Friday, graduates from the Faculties of Natural Resource Management, Science and Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences and Humanities are receiving their degrees, starting at 9am.
