THUNDER BAY – Hundreds gathered at the Community Auditorium on Friday to celebrate Confederation College's 2024 graduating class.
Kathleen Lynch, president of Confederation College, said she felt a little emotional but it was wonderful to see.
After over 20 years of service at Confederation College and the last five-plus years as president, Lynch will retire in August.
“It’s really special. This is my last graduation,” she said.
This year Confederation College has another record-setting number of graduates, with over 2,200, she said.
“It’s very exciting to see how we’ve been able to bounce back and really support students who want to come and study at Confederation College.
“It’s wonderful we’re able to have graduations again, because we had that period where we couldn’t hold graduations,” she said
“At the college we’ve offered applied learning, where students have had a lot of practical experience during their studies. It helps them to be prepared going out into the workforce,” Lynch said.
“I think these students have made a lot of friendships. Those kinds of things are really important for their life to support them.
"One in 13 jobs are associated with the college in the region . . . Our graduates all eager to get out there and work.”
Grace Francis, graduating with honours from the social service work program, said walking across the stage was an incredible feeling.
“This was an insane, amazing and special moment for me. I got to graduate with all my friends, alongside my teachers who became my friends,” Francis said.
“My teachers paved the way for me. They helped me personally, professionally and they pushed me to be the best I can be,” she said.
Francis advised new students at Confederation College to “take it all in.”
“Everyone says you blink and it goes by. I didn’t believe it, but it is true. Just have a blast.”
Maverick Garcia, graduate of the personal support worker program, said he is glad they finished their programs.
“We’ve been studying and working nonstop for the last two years,” he said.
Garcia’s fondest memory of college had to be him and his best friend being “crammers.”
“We’d always study right before the quiz or exam. We’d spend 30 minutes or one hour in the library.
“I think it’s a fun memory I’ll treasure for a long time.”
Lisa Smith, graduate of practical nursing, said the feeling of graduating is incredible.
“It’s been a long two years. It feels great to finally finish my dream after such a long time,” she said
“We all went through this together and we’re still friends. It feels amazing to come out with the same experience.
“It’s something different I get to say now - I finally completed a great goal in my life. It’s just surreal,” Smith said.
Leona Scanlon was the recipient of an honorary diploma in the aboriginal community advocacy program.
“I’ve been working with the college for 26 years on various initiatives,” she said.
“I’m so happy to see so many graduates. My message is to get out there and do what you want to do."
