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Portage College grads Zoom towards their future

Virtual tassel turns and cap tosses as Portage goes online to congratulate 500 graduates

LAKELAND - As school years go, this one stood out.

Portage College Board of Governors chairperson Randy Benson told graduates at the June 5 convocation ceremonies that every year for more than five decades, Portage 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 said in a recorded message to 300 virtually-linked students and supporters tuned into a online ceremony on the Zoom video app.

With just over 500 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 — the grad ceremony was the first online convocation in the college's long history. In the weeks leading up the event, college staff created graduation packages containing scrolls, Portage mementos and a 2020 grad cap, and sent them to graduates so they could wear their cap while watching the virtual event.

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 said.

"Come back ... to turn your tassels"

In a similar segment, Portage President Nancy Broadbent expressed 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 said 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 invited 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 said.

Broadbent, Benson and other college staff and faculty were also live on the Zoom-streamed convocation night, offering 'real-time' congratulations to the virtual event's attendees, and taking part in the 'hand waving' applause that replaced in-person clapping.

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.

Amazing Racers congratulate graduates' amazing journey

Joining the hour-long virtual ceremony 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.

Makokis and Johnson gave a light-hearted presentation, joking with the Zoom-watching grads that no matter the challenges, a 'never-give-up' attitude is paramount.

As they leave college, Johnson reminded the grads that life will continue to throw them challenges, and they might make "so many mistakes,"  some may even get fired from jobs and have to re-focus. But that's all part of the learning curve, he said.

"Never give up. School is not the end of life's learning journey, it's just the beginning ... so set a new goal and set about to achieve it," he said.

Makokis agreed.

"Learning is life-long. You are never going to know everything," he said, urging the graduates to challenge their own limitations and to have faith in themselves.

While the graduates attending the virtual ceremony were isolated in their homes and only linked by the streaming video app, they were all invited to take part in a few standard graduation ceremony activities. With the help of Portage's vice-president Academic Guy Gervais, grad were given a countdown to flip their own graduation cap tassels from the right side to the left side. As the video screens rippled with movement, Carrie Froehler, the college's vice-president of planning, and the night's master of ceremonies commented on the unique event.

"Who would have thought you'd be celebrating your convocation in your living rooms?" she joked just before inviting the grads to take part in the final tradition — the grad cap toss. "But just remember, you are in your own living rooms, so try not to break anything."

Videos from college staff, as well as comments from students and well-wishers can be found on the college's convocation page through links in the virtual version of this story at www.lakelandtoday.ca

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