Dressed to impress, Trent University Durham grads were welcomed back to campus on May 22, 2015 for the annual convocation dinner and awards ceremony. A tradition at the Durham campus, the event brings together the newest graduates, across all disciplines, for a special evening to celebrate the completion of their degrees.

“It is exciting evening. It is an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, friends and professors for one last time before convocation,” said Rachel Soubasis, who graduates with a BA in Psychology.

Trent University Durham graduates will take part in the convocation ceremony on the Peterborough Symons Campus this June, however, the annual graduation dinner gives Durham students an additional opportunity to celebrate this milestone in their academic career on the campus they attended.

The evening’s MC was head of Trent University Durham, Joe Muldoon, who addressed the new graduates, offering a sendoff, saying, “As you venture into the next stage of your life, whether that is searching for a professional career or continuing an academic interest, be sure to maintain this sense of community, pursuit of knowledge and passion for learning that you have developed here at Trent with you and apply it to wherever you may be going.”

Representing the Alumni Association was Teresa Bugelli and Christopher Letke. Ms. Bugelli spoke of her experience at Trent, the help that the Alumni Association has given her post-graduation, and also shared her story of graduation, after she had left school for several years, saying, “I am a perfect example that it is never too late to graduate.”

Raheleh Saryazdi, who will be graduating with a B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychology won two of the awards presented at the grad dinner, including the Top Student Award, and said, “I am happy to be recognized for my achievements and I am truly thankful to all faculty, staff, and students who made my four years at Trent Durham unforgettable. It is great to get an opportunity to celebrate tonight.”

“This night, it is about remembering the last four years, but still I think it is also about looking forward,” said Shawna Jackman who is graduating with a BA (Honours) Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, as the evening came to a close.

2015 Trent University Durham Graduating Class Awards

• Peer Mentoring Coordinator Certificate – Eileen Magill, BA (Honours), English Literature 
• Top Student Award – Raheleh Saryazdi, B.Sc (Honours), Psychology
• Sociology Award - Chelsea Irvine, BA (Honours), Sociology
• Multicultural Council of Durham Award – Anita Collins, B.Sc (Honours), Psychology
• Graduating Student Citizenship Award – Meagan Lai, BA (Honours), Psychology
• Alumni Award – Raheleh Saryazdi, B.Sc (Honours), Psychology