[00:00:00] [An audience sits in a banquet hall facing a long narrow stage with a single row of chairs on it. The stage has two ramps and a white and blue curtain background with several flags. A small lectern sits at the left side of the stage and reads “Trent University.” The bag pipes can be clearly heard. The view shifts to show two pipers leading in the Graduand Procession from the back of the room. The audience stands. The view shifts several times to show the audience and Graduand Procession. One piper wears green and blue kilt with green jacket and hat. The other wears a green and blue kilt with blue jacket and hat. The banner on screen reads “Colin Campbell. Piper.” The Graduand Procession is lead to seating on the right side of the audience. Graduates receiving their Bachelor of Social Work degrees wear dark green gowns with waist-length sleeves and purple and dark green hoods. Graduates receiving their Bachelor of Arts degrees wear dark green gowns with waist-length sleeves and white and dark green hoods. Graduates receiving their Bachelor of Science degrees wear dark green downs with waist-length sleeves and gold and dark green hoods. The banner on screen reads “Reverend Jaime York. Piper.” The view shifts several times to show the audience and Graduand Procession.] [00:03:02] [The pipers finish playing. The view returns to the back of the room. Nicholas Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of Nobles begins to play over the sound system. It is a grand, full-orchestral melody without words. The Academic Procession enters the room. They are in academic and traditional regalia of many forms. A woman at the front of the procession in Indigenous regalia carries Trent’s Condolence Cane, the cane that is a symbolic representation of the governance power of the Haudenosaunee peoples and represents the academic governing power of the University.] [00:03:33] [The first seven members of the Academic Procession take seats on stage. The others sit to the left side of the audience.] [00:05:01] [A man stands at the lectern. He is in a dark green gown with elaborate silver and dark green embroidery and a round green velvet beefeater-style hat with silver tassel. The banner on the screen reads “Leo Groarke. President & Vice-Chancellor.”] Leo Groarke: Good afternoon everyone. Please be seated. My name is Leo Groarke. I have the privilege and honour of being the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University. Before I begin, I want to go off-script just a little bit. All convocations are special, but there are a couple of extra-special things, if I can put it that way, about this convocation that I want to note. First, I would note that this year Trent has had ten convocation ceremonies. We try to keep them small. This is the last od the ten, and I want to say to the graduates that we saved the best graduates for last. [Cheers from graduates.] One other shout out, maybe I’ll get them to stand, that in this class of graduates we have the first set of graduates from Trent’s new Social Work Program. I’m going to ask those graduates to stand. [Cheers and applause.] Thank you. In keeping with Trent tradition, I want to officially begin by respectfully acknowledging that we are on the treaty and traditional territory of the Scugog Island Mississauga. We offer our gratitude to our First Peoples for their care for and teachings about our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings. I’m very pleased to welcome you here today. I know we have families, parents, brothers, sisters, friends, partners, guests of all sort. I thought I would like to begin by saying something about the ceremony today. And at the heart of this ceremony really is the awarding of degrees. And I’d like to say that at Trent, our convocations are like Trent itself. And in this regard, just to give you a sense of that, I know some of you are visitors, I wanted to quote from a recent review of Trent which I think captures who we are very very well. It described us as “a prestigious and elite small university,” – of course I like that, ‘prestigious and elite,’ I’d like to say that again – “a prestigious and elite small university but one that is approachable and friendly.” And I think that really is what Trent is like. We’re very serious about studying. Our graduands can tell you that, that we make the go through their paces. But at the same time, we try to be very friendly, approachable, we create an intimate atmosphere for our students. And that’s how we want convocation to be. On the one hand, it’s a formal serious occasion. Our students are formally graduating and this marks the completion of their degrees. But at the same time, it’s supposed to be a friendly ceremony. Keep in mind that convocation is supposed to be a celebration. It’s a party we’re hosting to celebrate the successes of our students, so with all the power invested in me as president – which is not as much as you think – but with that limited power, I’m hereby giving you permission to treat it as a party, to be loud, dance if you want to, don’t hesitate to come forward if your son or daughter comes forward, if you want to take photographs, and above all else, don’t be shy about embarrassing your son or daughter as they come across the stage. That’s perfectly okay. We look forward to that. [Laughter in the audience.] To our visitors, I did want to say that I hope you will enjoy our deep sense of community that is so much a part of us at Trent Durham. I’m pleased to tell you that our community will be even closer in coming years, even more a community, thanks to a board-approved plan to build a new residence and academic building at the Durham campus. [Cheers] And I did want to invite all of our graduates to come back in a year or two and see that building, which is really going to turn the campus into a campus. Let me end my remarks by saying to our graduands that you are joining a prestigious Trent family. It includes famous authors, Nobel Prize winners, Rhodes scholars, and Governor General and Academy Award winners. The family has scientists, artists, religious and political leaders, and perhaps even more importantly, a cadre of teachers, researchers, medical practitioners, mothers, fathers, and good citizens. I believe that Trent has prepared you well for the exciting and challenging adventures that lie ahead. This is your moment, this is your day, enjoy it as an important time to imagine your future and create a life of consequence and a purpose that is uniquely your own. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for our graduates. [Applause in the audience and on stage.] I now declare convocation open. [00:11:13] I’m going to ask Joe Muldoon, the Head of Trent University Durham, to present all the candidates for degrees. Candidates, as he reads your name, you’ll cross the stage, be congratulated by me and then by the university registrar, Tracy Al-Idrissi. [The President moves to centre stage. A man in a black academic gown with red and white hood stands at the lectern. The banner on screen reads “Joe Muldoon. Head – Durham-GTA.”] [00:11:51] Joe Muldoon: Mister President, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Social Work Honours, candidates whose names will be read, whom the Senate has duly declared worthy of the honour, that they may receive the degree at your hands. [As names are read, the named graduate walks across the stage from right to left, first shaking hands with President & Vice-Chancellor Leo Groarke and then Registrar Tracy Al-Idrissi at the far left of the stage.] [00:12:13] [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Meghan Crandall Chantelle Crittenden Abigayle Jane Crump Hilary Duffin Stephanie Edozie Morgan Ferry Jodi Gorham Melissa Grills David Hrynyk Breanna Chantel Lowe Cecilia Emily Layla Richardson-Marchand Michelle Sherwin Michael Sposato Emma Storey Please join me in congratulating the recipients of the Bachelor of Social Work degrees in the Honours program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage.] [00:15:00] Mister President, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the Honours Program candidates whose names will be read, whom the Senate has duly declared worthy of the honour, that they may receive the degree at your hands [00:15:16] [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Samantha Christie Birnie Chantelle Elizabeth Bolduc Katherine Chartier Merna Claudius Christopher Del Duca Hayley Ferguson Anais Garcia Alyssa April Gionest Devon Heather Hanson Catherine Hopkins Brittany Lockheart Stephanie Morris Natasha Noble Alyssa Pecchia Jaycee Rowe Deanna Rylott Taylor Delby Saunders Christina Maria Sciulli Riley Ann Sinnott Shanade Carolyn Thomas Jessica Todd Ashley Jayne Valade Hayley Danielle Van Tienen Please join me in congratulating the recipients of Bachelor of Arts degrees in the Honours Program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage.] [00:20:08] Mister President, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Science in the Honours Program, the candidates whose names will be read, whom the Senate has duly declared worthy of the honour, that they may receive the degree at your hands. [00:20:25] [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Taylor Lee Crawford Emma Cumming Karen Margaret Fitzsimmons Ian Griffiths Nicole Alexandra Lucy Heathcote Ashley Latendresse Kirsten Marcovitch Kyra Danica Mungal Kayla June Peel Jennifer Rose Preston Garibaldi Please join me in congratulating the recipients of the Bachelor of Science degree in the Honours Program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage.] [00:22:44] Mister President, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the candidates whose names will be read, whom the Senate has duly declared worthy of the honour, that the candidates may receive the degree at your hands [00:23:01] [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Diana Earle Logan Ferguson Christine Gray Krystyna Ashley Hamilton Audrey Lea Sydney Brooke Major Adam McCannell Tena McKay Tiffany Pyttlick Justin Patrick Ryan Amy Stockwell Please join me in congratulating the recipients of the Bachelor of Arts degree in the General Program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage.] [00:25:31] Mister President, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Science in the General Program, the candidate whose names will be read, whom the Senate has duly declared worthy of the honour, that the candidate may receive the degree at your hands. [00:25:48] [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Jennifer Norton (and her service dog Kismet) [This student has a service dog with her.] Please join me in congratulating the recipient of the Bachelor of Science degree in the general program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage.] [00:26:24] Mister President, I ask you to confer degrees in absentia on candidates whose names are before you and who are unable to be with us today. [President holds the brim of his hat and nods.] [00:26:39] Jackie Muldoon, Provost and Vice President Academic will now recognize an individual receiving a special award. [Joe Muldoon sits.] [00:26:49] [A woman in deep red and white academic gowns with a deep red mortar board hat moves to stand at the large podium. The banner on screen reads “Jackie Muldoon, Provost and VP Academic.” The Registrar moves to the centre of the stage carrying a large framed certificate. She is joined by the President and a woman in a dark green academic gown. This is Susan Graham Parker. The Registrar hands the certificate to the President and steps away. The President and Ms. Graham Parker stand at centre stage.] Jackie Muldoon: The Eminent Service Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the life of the University, above and beyond excellence in carrying out their employment or volunteer responsibilities. It is presented on behalf of the Board of Governors, acting on the recommendation of the Senate. Mister President, Susan Graham Parker demonstrates in every respect the value of the Trent experience. Her English degree from Trent equipped her to progress to very senior levels at Scotiabank, where she was responsible for government relations, public affairs and global human resources. As a member of the Board of Governors of Trent University, Sue chaired the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Investment and Pension committee, the Advisory Committee on the Review of the Presidency and has just concluded her term as Vice Chair of the Board. Part of the Trent ethos is that of "giving back," and Sue took that to heart by supporting the University in a variety of ways, most recently with a very generous gift for the new Student Centre. In recognition of her years of service to Trent University, Sue was presented with the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2017. Her passion and dedication to Trent is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the many contributions she has made. Mister President, I am pleased to present for the Eminent Service Award, Ms. Susan Graham Parker. [The President and Sue Graham Parker shake hands and pose for a photo at centre stage. Then they both return to their seats.] [00:28:28] Professor Dawn Lavell-Harvard will now introduce the honour song. [Jackie Muldoon sits.] [00:28:37] [A woman in traditional Ojibwe leather regalia carrying a rainbow shawl approaches the podium. The banner on the screen reads “Dawn Lavell-Harvard. Indigenous Studies.”] Dawn Lavell-Harvard: Chii-Miigwetch Before all words can be spoken, we bring greetings to all of Creation. We give thanks for another day of life. Mister President, honoured guests, graduates. In the custom of the first peoples of this land, we offer the sound of the drum and our voices to honor our mother, the Earth. We send our profound and deepest thanks to all of Creation. We greet the world with humility and embrace the richness, diversity, and wonder of life. In the Anishinaabe teachings, the sound of the drum represents the original sound of our Creation. That first sound we heard. That heartbeat of Creation reverberates still and infuses our very beings with life. We sound the drum to connect us with all Creation, to honour and celebrate life, and to live with humility among all living beings. Today we offer words of praise to those who are graduating. We offer words of thanksgiving to those who have made this day possible. We offer words of respect to those who have come before us and who brought dignity to our lives. We offer these words to remind of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: to go forward, to live with respect, kindness, honesty, sharing, courage, and strength. We offer these words to honour Sue Graham Parker on this important day. Today we offer this song to accompany you on your travels. May you travel well and may your lives be filled with grace and dignity. Mister President, honoured guests, and graduates, I have the pleasure of presenting Unity. Today they will be singing a song that is very fitting on such a beautiful sunny day with all the warmth. They will be singing a song to honour the South and the southern direction. Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you to stand if you are able for the honour song. [Three women move to the front-centre of the stage. They carry traditional Anishinaabe hand-drums decorated with ribbons and played with single-head mallets. They face the audience. The audience, graduates, and Academic Procession stand. Many remove their hats. The banner on the screen reads “Unity. Honour Song.” The Honour Song is Anishinaabe vocals with harmonic melodies over rhythmic drumming. The women sway in time with the music. The song ends with whoops and applause.] Dawn Lavell-Harvard: Chii-Miigwetch. Thank you, Unity. You may be seated. [00:35:04] Mister President, I would like to invite Jess Grover, President of the Trent University Alumni Association to welcome the graduating class. [Dawn Lavell-Harvard sits.] [01:04:55] [A woman in Trent’s dark green gown with a white and dark green hood approaches the large podium. The banner on the screen reads “Jess Grover. President – Alumni Association.”] Jess Grover: Mister President, graduates, honoured guests. Good afternoon! First, I must say to you, our newest alumni, congratulations! And welcome to our family. I’m so honoured to be here at Trent Durham’s convocation. I love Trent Durham’s spirit. My heart bursts with joy (and a few tears) to see you here amongst family and friends, a strong and proud community within the larger institution of Trent. This is truly the celebration of a personal, purposeful, and transformative little campus. Over the course of your studies at Trent, I know you’ve seen your campus grow. You are the trailblazers of this campus, and your dedication, energy, and accomplishments are a big part of what has made Trent Durham so successful. You are integral to the flourishing of your campus, and I want you to know how grateful we are for all you’ve done to leave your mark on our university. I know how hard you’ve worked. I can see the joy and accomplishment you feel today – treasure that and keep it with you always. You have taken all the challenges and hard moments along the way and turned them into opportunities for learning and success. You’ve done this, and I hope that any moment you find yourself uncertain of your abilities that you remember today and remind yourself that you know how to achieve your goals. I’m sure that each of you have had at least had one conversation where you’ve had to say “I go to Trent….no, not that Trent, Trent in Oshawa!” I want all of you to know that the Alumni Association recognizes, respects, and celebrates the alum who come from Trent Durham. We recognize that your experiences are unique within the alumni family, and to celebrate that, the Trent University Alumni Association will be bringing it’s annual meeting and volunteer reception to your campus for the first time this fall. Please join us to that Trent Durham alum spirit! Take some time today to update your contact info – you should be getting an email from me right now – so we can stay in touch. We need to as a part of our family, to keep that Trent Durham spirit thriving in the association and we want you to take part in our awards, events, and benefits. Trent is not only a part of your past but is a part of your future. Stay involved in Trent and get involved with Alumni – we’re made better by your presence. Today, not only everyone here celebrates you, the entire alumni family celebrates you. On behalf of the Trent University Alumni Association, it is my honour and privilege to say welcome, and congratulations! [Applause in audience. Jess Grover leaves the lectern.] [00:38:55] [Leo Groarke stands at the lectern.] Leo Groarke: Thank you, Jess. As we come to the conclusion of the ceremony, it’s time for a few thank yous. And I want to begin by thanking the people who make convocation possible. We say it takes a community to raise a child, it takes a large group of volunteers to make convocation happen. I think we especially feel that today, this is the last of ten convocations – basically last week and this week. I think those volunteers, you should feel free to go have a beer this afternoon. I think you have more than earned that. You are the unsung heroes of convocation, and I want to pick one of them out to represent them and I’m surprised she hasn’t run away because she probably knew this was coming. Joanne Sokolowski is the organizer of convocation – Joanne, could you put your hand up so everybody can see? A big round of applause for Joanne. And I think there are some other unsung heroes that we should recognize. Now I’m going to ask the graduands to stand if they can – stand or sit – I did want you to know that you’re here of course because of all your accomplishments and congratulations – it’s impressive – but partially that’s been possible because of the support network that you have. One of the wonderful things about convocation is it’s about families. Families come together. They may not always understand why we’re taking a particular peculiar course in philosophy or whatever it happens to be, but they are there for you. I’m sure they have provided emotional support. I suspect they sometimes provided financial support as well. So, for your friends, support, and support network could we please have a round of applause and thank you. [Graduands stand and applaud.] Actually, I think we can do a better one that that. How about a real shout out for friends and family? [Graduates cheer and applaud loudly.] Thank you for that, and to that support network, thank you for coming to convocation. It’s important not just to your sons and daughters and friends, but it’s also important to the university. It makes it a special ceremony. Congratulations to all our new alumni. Congratulations to Sue Graham Parker who I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Please join us for a reception after the ceremony. The procession will the stage following the singing of ‘O Canada’ and at that point I would ask you to remain standing if you are able until the procession has departed. I now declare convocation dismissed. [Cheers and applause from all.] [00:42:25] [O Canada plays. It is an orchestral version without words, played over the sound system. Audience members, graduates, and members of the Academic Procession stand as able. Most remove their hats. Some sing along to the melody. A sign language interpreter signs the words from the right-hand side of the stage.] [00:43:38] [The Academic Procession leaves the stage, following the same order and path used to enter the stage. The Academic Procession is followed by the Graduand Procession. The banner on the screen reads “Thanks for watching. Congratulations to All!”]