As school years go, this one stands out.
Portage College Board of Governors chairperson Randy Benson will tell graduates at tonight's convocation ceremony that every year for more than five decades, students are congratulated by faculty and administration, their peers and their families for their efforts leading up to graduation. It is an important event that is shared in similar ways for each graduating class.
"I think I can fairly say, however that the Grad class of 2020 is special," he says in a recorded message to students and supporters tuned into the online virtual convocation that begins at 7 pm.
With 501 graduates from programs based at campus locations in Cold Lake, St.Paul, Lac La Biche and satellite communities completing their final semesters in online classes due to classroom closures in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic — as well as social gathering restrictions on events of more than 50 people — Friday's grad ceremony is the first online convocation in the college's long history.
With a capacity of having up to 1,000 connections linked into the virtual ceremony through the Zoom social media provider, college officials said that on the day before the event, about 300 students has RSVP'd their intentions of being on the link.
To the graduates, Benson says their challenges to overcome adversities — including the quick transition from in-class to on-line learning — proves their strength and spirit of learning.
"By facing the challenges of the pandemic, you have shown yourselves to be especially adaptable, innovative and hard-working. The strong character it takes to do so will serve you well in the future," he says.
"Come back ... to turn your tassels"
In a similar recorded segment, Portage President Nancy Broadbent expresses her regret that the students, community and staff can't all be together.
"I really wish we could all be in the gym, together today," she says in a clip from her presentation, explaining the convocation day as the "most favourite day for employees" of the college.
Despite the isolation of the first-time virtual ceremony, Broadbent is inviting any grads of 2020 to be part of future ceremonies.
"We do hope that once things have cleared up and we are able to come back together, you'll re-join us for a convocation in the future where we'll be able to turn you tassels and be part of the excitement of the achievement that you have today," she says.
RELATED: EAGLE FEATHERS HIGHLIGHT TRADITION AND TRIUMPH
Likening this year's graduating class to the resilient students who helped to keep the college operating during a protest sit-in more than 50 years ago, Broadbent is thankful of the students' efforts, and wishes them good luck.
"Congratulations Class of 2020 as you move forward. Think of your Portage family and be proud of the ripple effect you will create in your life," she said.
Joining the hour-long virtual ceremony that lasted about an hour, were guest speakers Dr. James Makokis and his partner Anthony Johnson. Makokis, from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, holds a Doctorate in Medicine, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, a Master of Health Science in Community Nutrition — and with Johnson, won season 7 of Amazing Race Canada. The doctor, presenter member of the LGBTQ2 and First Nation community member is known for his inspirational presentations that combine humour with history, tradition and hope.
Let them know
Included in the virtual event, college officials have created several software links for graduates, family members, staff and community members to leave messages for this year's graduates. Photo sharing, video messaging and other social media links are available at the college's convocation webpage found here.
