Fleming College proudly celebrated the achievements of its graduating Class of 2024 during a two-day convocation ceremony held in Peterborough.
More than 3,500 students from Fleming's three campuses gathered at the Peterborough Memorial Centre for six convocation ceremonies on June 11 and June 12.
Coming from Fleming's School of Health and Community Services, School of Trades and Technology, School of Business and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, School of General Arts and Sciences and the Haliburton School of Art + Design, these students walked across the stage as thousands of their family, friends and classmates cheered them on.
The day featured inspiring speeches from both students and faculty.
Matthew Wilson, valedictorian for the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, quit his day job in shipping to return to school because, he explained, he wanted to help make the world a better place.
"The path ahead will present challenges, it is in these moments that your true strength and commitment will shine," Wilson told his classmates. "Embrace the opportunities to innovate, educate, and inspire. Let the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems fuel your determination to make a difference."
Francine Sam, a Practical Nursing student and valedictorian for the School of Health and Community Services, had initially enrolled in nursing school in her home country of Australia. But, as she explained to hundreds of people at the Memorial Centre during the June 11 ceremony at 10 a.m., life had other plans for her, and she put her schooling on hold.
Fast forward a few years, and Francine found herself in a rural village in East Africa, caring for vulnerable children and their communities. She also re-found her love of nursing and was motivated to return to school and finish what she had started.
Sam encouraged her fellow graduates to focus on the road ahead-but she also encouraged them to take time to celebrate convocation, and the milestone it represents in their academic journey.
"When tomorrow comes, we won't remember that feeling we had about assignment deadlines, or the dates of our big exams, or walking into labs for scenarios and practicum testing, or that feeling of logging in to check our grades. Those memories will grow distant tomorrow, but we will remember this moment, being the sum and substance of those late nights and sleepless weeks and stressful times. So, let's take another second. This is the finish line we have hoped for!"
In the 1980s and 1990s, Fleming College hosted convocation at the Peterborough Memorial Centre before moving it to the Sutherland, Frost and Haliburton campuses.
Fleming decided to return to the Memorial Centre to ensure convocation was accessible and inclusive for everyone. A livestream of the event was available on Fleming's YouTube channel, allowing friends and family from around the world to join in the festivities. The virtual component ensured that everyone, regardless of location, could share in the pride and joy of convocation.
Fleming College is proud of our graduates and their accomplishments. These students are heading into the workforce ready to make meaningful impacts in their chosen careers and in the communities in which they will serve. As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, Fleming College remains committed to supporting their success through its extensive alumni networks and professional development opportunities.
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
