THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University held its first in-person convocation ceremony since the beginning of the pandemic this Friday, a welcome move towards normal says Dr. Moira McPherson president and vice-chancellor of the university.
“We are so excited! It’s just amazing to have students and family and friends on our campus and having a chance to celebrate today’s achievements” she said.
It’s been a hard few years of education for students during the COVID-19 pandemic and McPherson says that the students definitely deserve to celebrate.
“This cohort of students, this graduating class, they’ve had everything thrown at them,” she said. “And, you know, still they’ve responded, they’ve succeeded getting to this point today.”
Sasha Wilson, the voice of her class, says that she hopes all her fellow classmates go out and truly experience what life has to offer now that they have left university.
“I’m just really proud of everyone and I think everyone is just really excited to step out of academia for a while and really discover themselves in the next few years because they are key years,” Wilson said. “My message is going to be to put your passion into everything you do because that’s what separates you from others and guides you along the way.”
Roughly 1,900 students graduated from Lakehead University this year and graduates like Autumn Lachin, Honours Bachelor’s of Science specializing in forestry, say that they’re excited to finally get out and begin working in their fields.
”I’m feeling great, it’s finally over, it’s going to be great to finally graduate and get in the field and do everything,” said Lachin. “Getting out of the COVID schooling is definitely a great call, it’s going to be a great season.”
