Latest news with #convocation
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Saskatchewan Polytech hosts more than 300 students at Saskatoon convocation
It was a day of celebration for the 318 graduates who convocated from Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon on Monday. 'Convocation day is the most exciting day of the year. It's the opportunity where we get to come together, celebrate, recognize the accomplishments of the students of the faculty, and really just have that opportunity to celebrate and be together,' Kendra Strong-Garcia told CTV News. She serves as the director of student experience and learning services at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. TCU Place was filled with graduates, who were happy to share the day with loved ones. 'My parents are here. They're both teachers, so it's been nice to be able to have them have time off and come and then my boyfriend's also here as well,' explained student Stephanie Ritchie. 'It's nice to just have everyone that you care about be here.' Another graduate, Katrina Ilagan shared that her whole family travelled in from Rosetown to see her walk across the stage. '[It's] exciting, I saw my mom graduate last year and two of my sisters graduated last year. So, I'm like, 'Okay, next year is my day,'' Ilagan said. The students both added that their time at Sask Polytech has taught them a lot, and the immersive learning environment was one they enjoyed. 'I think having something that's way more hands on and kind of a smaller room was definitely a better fit for me. I think you just kind of get to know what you're more stepping into after graduation,' Ritchie said. 'It's like hands on learning, especially the teachers I like their one-on-one teaching, so that's why I chose polytechnic,' Ilagan said. While the Sask Polytech staff see several convocations throughout their careers, the day is always special according to Strong-Garcia. 'I love watching the families cheer on their students or their graduates walking across the stage, she said. 'Especially the ones that have younger kids themselves and the kids are here supporting their mom or their dad, that's my favorite part.'
CBC
12-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
He began university in the 70s. Now, 49 years later, this 'farm boy' earns his degree from Guelph
It's graduation week for many University of Guelph students, but it's a particularly special day for one 68-year-old whose walk across the convocation stage was 49 years in the making. Dave Burnett, who grew up in Guelph, Ont., started his Bachelor of Science degree at the university's Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) in 1976 almost immediately after completing high school. Then, life happened. Burnett told CBC K-W's The Morning Edition host Craig Norris that he mainly went to university to appease his mother. Despite doing well academically, he dropped out because he said he wanted to work with his hands. "I am a farm boy … at the first opportunity I sort of slid out the back door," Burnett said. But now, decades later, Burnett's convocation is Thursday afternoon and his wife and two of his daughters will be cheering him across the stage. Addiction, health issues and a 'very strong work ethic' After Burnett left the university, he worked as a miller for a time, and then he managed corporate farms before starting his own accounting business. He says the next 20 years of his blue-collar life, he fell into the "abyss of addiction" to drugs and alcohol. It was an all-consuming fall and one that left his personal and professional life in tatters. "I had a very, very strong work ethic in the background, but addiction is more powerful," Burnett said. His turning point came when a friend checked on him after a major health scare and Burnett said he didn't even know what day of the week it was. Catalyzed by health problems, Burnett committed to the journey back to sobriety, but not without long-term consequences, like deafness. Burnett recalled sitting in a doctor's office, forms to apply for permanent disability in front of him, and refusing to sign them. "I had always worked, even through all the problems. I'd always had a job," he said. It was then he realized that his way through was to finish his education journey. A long road back in his old blue jeans That was 30 years ago. By Burnett's account, the journey hasn't always been smooth. The University of Guelph let him come back to dabble in a Bachelor of Arts program but it wasn't for him. That's when he came back to his roots: He became what is affectionately known in the university's lingo as an "aggie," or somebody who studies agriculture. Burnett, already his classmates' senior by a couple decades, navigated the classic woes of university life: Organizing courses based on availability, taking prerequisites and those ever-looming deadlines. "I remember in particular sitting down the first or second course and realizing my blue jeans were older than most of the people in the class," he said. After a while, though, Burnett said he didn't worry too much about being the older fish in the young pond. "You're writing the same exams, the same tests, the same deadlines as everybody else. You're just seen as another student," he said. Joshua Nasielski, a professor in the department of plant agriculture, said everyone in his classes respected Burnett. "He always brought energy and humour to class and students often joked that he was the class clown," Nasielski said in a release by the school. He called Burnett an "unconventional thinker" whose "passion and drive were inspiring." "Dave was willing to share lessons from his years of real-world experience as a farm accountant with the class, which was a huge asset. He must be one of the only undergraduate students to deliver a guest lecture for a class that he was enrolled in," Nasielski said. Lived experience and lessons learned Bit by bit, weaving through life's daily challenges, marriage, kids and even more health complications, Burnett took a couple courses at a time. He said he can't remember a time where he wasn't thinking or worrying about an assignment. He notes in his five decades at the school, he's encouraged to see less of an emphasis on factual data (which, he still notes he does use in his current business), but more of a push for critical thinking. "There was no right answer to anything … I could explain my thinking," he said. Burnett has run his own business consulting with farmers for the past 10 years. Now, he said he has the skills and experience to tell clients why he's advising them a certain way. That business will now get restructured because Burnett wants to spend more time connecting with his loved ones. He still hasn't gotten the memo about retirement — although a graduate degree is most likely not in his future. He said his biggest takeaway from the life he's lived has been that there is no right way to come back to what you feel passionate about. His time in lectures, challenging his beliefs (and some of his professors' beliefs as well) and doing research taught him there was value to all kinds of experience. "We don't have to accept the common beliefs … the world is our oyster," he said. "I've heard that saying and now I believe it."
CTV News
09-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Western convocation moves to Canada Life Place
Western University has begun a week of convocation ceremonies in a new location. For the first time, graduates are walking across the stage at Canada Life Place (CLP). Officials say the move will better accommodate graduates and their families. 'You couldn't tell the difference from Alumni Hall, to be honest. It's actually, I would say, better. Even the AV system, the speaker system, is fantastic,' said Alan Shepard, the president of Western University. School logos surround the venue, and a portion of Dundas Place has been transformed into a hub for all things purple and white. WESTERN GRADUATION 2025 Canada Life Place hosted a Western University convocation ceremony on June 9, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) Downtown restaurants and hotels are thrilled that 6,700 grads and their families are spending in the core. Western confirms ceremonies will continue downtown until a new or revitalized venue opens on campus. No timeline has been set. 'It requires some kind of either change to Alumni Hall or a different facility and we are trying to work through all those options now,' said Shepard. Shepard added that his team is 'gearing up for a campaign' this year. He also did not rule out remaining at CLP long-term.
CTV News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Canadian music icon Jim Cuddy performs surprise duet at U of S convocation
WATCH: Spring convocation at the University of Saskatchewan went off with an unexpected surprise — Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy performed a duet with the university president. Sorry, we're having trouble with this video. Please try again later. [5006/404] Nearly 4,000 University of Saskatchewan (U of S) students will receive their diplomas throughout the week, and those who convocated on Tuesday were treated to a musical surprise. Alongside honorary doctor of letters recipient and Blue Rodeo frontman, Jim Cuddy, the president took part in a musical performance for the graduates. 'I think it will be rather unusual for them to see the president get up and try to strum the guitar. So, I think it'll be kind of fun. It'll be a little historic moment at the University of Saskatchewan,' said Peter Stoicheff, U of S president. Stoicheff and Cuddy have been friends for many years, and while the musician has done countless performances throughout his career, this was something different. 'That makes it a bonus. I can't imagine just doing it cold, like, just having somebody say, come on over and do it ... the whole thing is very special,' Cuddy said. Cuddy is one of three recipients to receive this title thanks to the U of S. President Stoicheff described the honorary degree as the highest honour the U of S can bestow. 'Bestowing it on Jim Cuddy, who's had a fantastic career with Blue Rodeo and a fantastic career with his own band and is one of Canada's greatest songwriters of all time, was a real privilege,' Stoicheff said. Jim Cuddy U of S Iconic Canadian musician Jim Cuddy performed a surprise duet with the University of Saskatchewan president on Tuesday before receiving an honorary degree. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News) While Cuddy initially graduated from Queens University, he shared that Saskatoon has a special place in his heart. 'It's a huge honor .... I think it's a beautiful university. It's funny that I probably came here for 20 years before I even saw the university. And when I first saw the university, I was shocked at how beautiful it was,' Cuddy said. 'It's sort of fun for me to just hear the names of the people embarking on the rest of their lives, having truly no idea what they're about to encounter,' Cuddy said. The musician, who some may remember for his show-stopping ascending falsetto in the 1987 Blue Rodeo single 'Try,' says that performing in Saskatoon over the years has always been something he looks forward to. 'I think that there's a shared feeling about Saskatoon among especially musicians that come through here because it's very cold ... but it's very sunny,' Cuddy said. It's a special day for many families. But for husband and wife, Debasish Chakroborti and Sristy Sumana Nath, the day is extra special. The duo both received their PhDs on Tuesday. 'It feels great to be graduated, but when you are doing it with your family members, like my wife, my Sristy, we're doing it together, so I'm feeling really great,' Chakroborti said. U of S convocation Husband and wife Debasish Chakroborti and Sristy Sumana Nath both received their PhDs together at the U of S on Tuesday. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News) After originally joining the university as an international student in 2017, Nath says she is proud to be setting an example for her children. 'Education is very important and we're both graduating together. And [my daughter] she's looking at how we're both graduating together and she's very excited and wanting to do more studies and contribute here in Canada, and the world,' Nath said.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Employability rate of KPKM Agricultural TVET graduates increases to 78.1%
PUTRAJAYA: The employability rate of graduates from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the field of agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) recorded a 78.1 per cent increase in 2023 compared to 72.3 per cent in 2022. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said KPKM hopes the employability rate of Agricultural TVET graduates will continue to improve and exceed the set target, which is above 80 per cent. 'Various activities and programmes have been and will be implemented to ensure the Agricultural TVET graduates produced will fulfil the labour skills needed in the industry,' he said when speaking at the 13th KPKM Agricultural convocation ceremony here today. He said so far, KPKM had produced a total of 25,783 graduates since the programme began in 1969. 'It is hoped that with the increase in the number of skilled workforce in the agri-food sector, it will enhance the competitiveness of the country's agri-food industry in the global market and subsequently ensure the sustainability of the country's food supply,' he said. Taking note of the lack of interest among youth in the agri-food sector, Mohamad said KPKM will ensure efforts to increase youth involvement are driven by the application of new technology in teaching and learning. 'It includes involvement and strategic cooperation with the private sector, as well as investment in high-value industries that can enhance the country's competitiveness and food security,' he said. He said that throughout 2024, KPKM had implemented strategic initiatives that include the enhancement of facilities and amenities at the Agricultural TVET Training Institute, curriculum improvements for empowerment and increased youth engagement. 'In 2024, a total of RM26.3 million was allocated to improve facilities and amenities at all agricultural TVET training institutes, and RM479,000 had been spent under the mechanisation and automation programme,' he said. Mohamad said this year, the mechanisation and automation allocation has been increased to RM1,353,300 which is a 182 per cent increase to ensure that the teaching and learning of trainees and students are at the best level and in line with the latest technological developments. 'KPKM through the Agricultural TVET Training Institute will continuously review and improve the curriculum used to meet the needs and demands of the industry. 'Also in 2024, three National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS), two Written Instructional Materials (WIM), and one TVET Provider had been updated for use in all related Agricultural TVET Training Institutes,' he said. He also said the improvements include additions to the Competency Units, based on the current needs of the industry, the latest technological developments and the Internet of Things. 'All of these aim to produce graduates who are competent in various fields of agriculture, not only to meet the demand for skilled labour from the public and private sectors but also to produce graduates who will become entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture,' he added. At the convocation, a total of 448 graduates received certificates and diplomas, including the Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), Agricultural Certificate, Malaysian Veterinary Health Certificate and Fisheries Certificate.
