The last students to graduate from Lethbridge College will make history this weekend as they cross the stage at Fall 2024 Convocation.
The post-secondary institution transitioned from college to polytechnic over the summer, so fall convocates will be the last to receive a parchment from Lethbridge College.
More than 500 students are receiving degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship credentials this month and about 170 of them are expected to attend Saturday's convocation ceremony.
"Convocation is always an exciting time for the campus community as we invite family and friends to celebrate the achievements of graduating students," says Marko Hilgersom, Registrar, Lethbridge Polytechnic. "Saturday's ceremony will be extra special, as we are also recognizing the final class to ever graduate from Lethbridge College, so it's going to be a great day."
Another highlight of the ceremony will be the recognition of the fall valedictorian, Stephanie Leafloor, who is graduating from the Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology program with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She will lead the procession of graduates and speak at the convocation ceremony.
Featured graduate Justin Sibbet will receive his diploma in Digital Communications and Media. He says he found his calling in the program and instantly fell in love with the industry, working as a public address announcer for the Kodiaks and as a freelance reporter for the Lethbridge Herald between his first and second year on campus. Sibbet was also named the 2024 Troy Reeb Internship recipient for his in-depth article about mental health in the Canadian Armed Forces. He's now employed with Global News Lethbridge.
The Fall Convocation ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. It will also be livestreamed at lethpolytech.ca/convocation.
