[00:00:00] [Bagpipes can be clearly heard. A large crowd of people sit outdoors in folding chairs, forming an audience. The audience is at the right-side of the screen. Some seat beneath a large white tent. Large steps are visible behind the audience. Flags from countries around the world decorate the large concrete building. It is sunny. A bagpiper in green and black kilt, jacket, and hat can be seen approaching from the left-hand of the screen. He leads the Graduand Procession down the stairs. The audience stands. The banner on the screen reads “Maury McCrillis. Piper.” Graduates receiving their Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science wear dark green gowns with waist-length sleeves and red and dark green hoods. Graduates receiving their Bachelor of Arts and Science wear dark green gowns with waist-length sleeves and white, gold, 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 view shifts several times to show the audience and Graduand Procession.] [00:00:50] [The view shows the graduates entering a stage elevated by five steps at the front of the audience. It is brick. The stage is set with three sets of seats in a U formation, with all facing the centre-right of the stage. They sit first in the seats on the left-hand side of the stage, then the centre-back of the stage. There is a large lectern at the centre-right of the stage and facing the audience. It reads “Trent University.” The view shifts several times to show the audience and Graduand Procession. In the background, Trent’s Bata Library can be seen. It is large and three storeys of concrete with large glass windows and wooden awnings are visible.] [00:02:21] [The piper is shown standing and playing while graduates continue to take their seats. The banner on the screen reads “Maury McCrillis. Piper.” The view shifts between the audience and Graduand Procession.] [00:05:31] [The piper finishes playing. The view changes to show a group of people standing at the top of the back stairs near the flags. They are in academic and traditional Indigenous regalia of many forms. This is the Academic Procession. Nicholas Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of Nobles begins to play over the sound system. It is a grand, full-orchestral melody without words. The man at the front of the procession 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.] [00:08:09] [The Academic Procession is shown taking their seats. They sit at the right-hand side of the stage.] [00:09:30] [A man from the Academic Procession approaches the lectern. He is in a dark green gown with elaborate gold and dark green embroidery and a round green velvet beefeater-style hat with gold tassel.] Don Tapscott: Good afternoon everyone. Please be seated. [00:07:32] [The view changes to focus on the large lectern at the centre-right of the stage. A sign language interpreter stands to the right of the lectern. A sign language interpreter stands at the right side of the stage. The banner on the screen reads “Don Tapscott. Chancellor.”] I’m Don Tapscott and I’m the Chancellor of Trent University and I’m a proud graduate of this great institution. This is a special day for everyone and I’m delighted to share it with you in this most magnificent venue on this glorious day and this joyful afternoon. Heartfelt congratulations to all of you graduates on reaching this important milestone. I now declare convocation open. [Applause and cheers in the audience. Don Tapscott sits.] [00:10:22] [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. My name is Leo Groarke. I have the privilege of being the eighth President and Vice-Chancellor of Trent University. What a great day for a convocation. It’s my honour and pleasure to welcome you here today. I want to begin with a Trent tradition, which is by respectfully acknowledging that we are on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabe. We offer our gratitude to our First Peoples for their care for and teachings about our land and our relations. May we honour those teachings. I’m very pleased to welcome graduates, parents and families, partners, and friends to today’s ceremony. I know that some of you come from close by, some from across Canada and some from around the world. I wanted to say something at the start of the ceremony about the ceremony itself and the kind of ceremony it is. I like to think that at Trent, we have a convocation ceremony that is like Trent itself. Here I’m going to quote from a recent review of Trent University, which I like very much, which tried to describe Trent in just a sentence. It said that Trent is “a prestigious and elite small university, but one that is approachable and friendly.” I like that because I think it is Trent’s personality and keeping with that I wanted to say that there’s a formal and serious element of today’s convocation but we also want it to be approachable and friendly. Of course, the serious part is that this is when our graduates ultimately complete their studies for degrees and are recognized for that, but especially to those of you in the audience – and also to the graduands – I want you to keep in that convocation is supposed to be a celebration. It’s a party. It’s a party we’re hosting to celebrate the successes of our graduands. I will say that if you are a parent, feel free to treat it as a party to celebrate the fact that they finally completed got their degree. [Laughter and applause in the audience.] With the celebratory aspect of the convocation in mind, I want to encourage you – by the presidential authority invested in me – I want to give you permission to shout, make noise, enjoy yourself, come up to the front when your student comes across, dance if you want. Oh yes and I have a note here to tell you don’t be shy about embarrassing your student, your son, your daughter, your spouse. I want to say that as you celebrate, we want you to be comfortable. And I would say that if anybody – it’s a pretty good day – but if anybody feels too hot, there are shaded areas and there are shade caps. It’s great actually, to look out and see them in the audience. I will tell you last year we had a problem with the sun, so this year we went out and bought 2500 shade caps for the convocation ceremony, and then of in the first four convocation ceremonies, it was cloudy and raining and nobody used them. So, please enjoy those caps and take them home with you. To our visitors, I want to say that I hope you will enjoy Trent’s deep sense of community. I also hope that our graduands will show you some of our beautiful campus in Peterborough. I hope you will cross the Faryon Bridge and visit some of the places they have lived and studied and had special moments at Trent. If you are adventurous, I invite you to explore the wildlife trails on the east side of the river. If you are very adventurous, I invite you to sign out a canoe at the Athletics Centre and you can paddle down the river. The university lawyers have asked me to remind you that if you do that, you must sign a liability waiver. [Scattered laughter in the audience.] As a university, I do believe that we have more canoes per student than any other Canadian university. Let me end these remarks by saying to our graduands that you are joining a prestigious Trent family. It includes famous authors, Nobel Prize winners, Rhodes scholars, Governor General and Academy Award winners and I honestly believe that some of you will be on that list of accomplished people in the future. The Trent family includes 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 a time to imagine your future and create a life of consequence and a purpose that is uniquely your own. A round of applause, please, for our graduates. [Applause in the audience and on stage.] [00:16:30] Mister Chancellor, Professor Christopher Kyle, Chair of Forensic Science, will now present candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. [The view shows Chancellor Don Tapscott move to the center-front of the stage. Graduates begin to move out of their seats to line up outside of the camera’s view.] Graduands, as you come across the stage, you’ll be congratulated by the Chancellor, by myself, and finally by the university Registrar, Tracy Al-Idrissi. [00:16:56] [The view changes to show a man in black academic robes with a red and white academic hood standing at a small lectern at the far-left side of the stage. The banner on the screen reads “Christopher Kyle. Director, Forensic Science.] Christopher Kyle: Mister Chancellor, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, 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 left to right, first shaking hands with Chancellor Don Tapscott at the centre of the stage, then the President & Vice-Chancellor Leo Groarke at the centre-right of the stage, then Registrar Tracy Al-Idrissi at the far right of the stage.] [00:17:37] [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Kandice Anderson Sabrina Anne Marie Bailey Kathryne Barron Samantha Allison Bird Brittany Jill Bishop Emma Victoria Brown Matthew Couturier Rachel Crosscombe Christopher Ronald DeJong Ethan Di Bacco Xenia Maria Fernandes Caitlyn Jingni Finlay Kate Carol Flemming Taranjot Gahunia Jesyka Leah Galasso Melissa Galbraith Farren Nicole Goos Sarah Elizabeth Haworth Cassandra Hewitt Julie Ho Rachel Hotta April Kennedy Emily Nicole King Hannah Jane King Emily Kooiman Caroline Monika Kubinski Jenna Nicole Kwiatkowski Jeffrey Lavallee Michael Adam Leonard Lindsay Marie Light Cameron Josef Lohr Rebecca Amelia Luis Alexander Peter Marchack Jaycee Morrison Paidamoyo Mukondiwa Kaelan Munro Daniel Nguyen Vi Van Nguyen Tran Larissa Ngwe Christina Pidgeon Megan Potvin Craig Thomas Arthur Rutherford Zachary Thomas Shewfelt Rina Tse Martina Marie VanDyke Taylor Patricia Ann Watson Audrey Elizabeth Wilson Kelsey Samantha Zeus Wonderful. So please join me in congratulating the recipients of Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degrees. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage. Chancellor turns towards graduates and removes his hat to bow toward them.] [00:27:06] Mister Chancellor, I now call upon Professor Kirk Collins, who is now the Dean of Arts and Science, the Dean of Arts and Science, I think still the Chair of Business, and a few other things to present candidates for all degrees. [00:27:28] [A man in a black and red gown with red and white academic hood stands at the small lectern at the far right of the stage. The banner on the screen reads “Kirk Collins. Dean, Social Sciences.”] Kirk Collins: Mister Chancellor, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Science, the candidates whose name will be read, whom the Senate has duly declared worthy of the honour, that they may receive the degree at your hands. [00:27:41] [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Shelby Lorraine McFadden Udo Michael Okoronkwo** Ethan Ruckward** Please join me in congratulating the recipients of the Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage. Chancellor turns towards graduates and removes his hat to bow toward them.] [00:28:41] Mister Chancellor, 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. [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Samantha Andrews Monica Hope Andrews Joelle Lise Baetz Lyman William Beatty Marlon Anderson Bell Vila Brendan Alexander Bell-Earle Sydney Louise Bertrand Josee Boulanger Kate Boyle Jordan Buck Maxine Natasha Buott James Michael Colwell McKenzie Lynne Craig Lindsay Reanne Cronkite Daniel Drobig** Lauretta Edem Omnia Ayman Elsherif Joshua Robert England Breanna Leigh Colling Ferguson Maura Fernandez Salas Liam Floyd Christopher Giordano Chantel Eileen Haigh Tessa Hayter Laura Hill Hailey Allison Hollingshead Taylor Margaret Holmes Mercedes Saul Hunter Caitlin Keating Andrea Kathryn Korsch Megan Ann Lewis** Kellen Bethune Lindley Nathan Walter Alex MacKay Emily Elizabeth McCullough Jenna Rose McKeown Sierra Paschalis Rachel McLeod Morgan Lynn McNamee Mouzhan Mohammadi John Adam Nicholls Lindsey Nicholson Nicholas Samual Parsons Claire Anneke Ramsay Perttula Kyla Piccin Jessica Garielle Poliquin Lianne Nicole Rammburan** Matthieu Reekie Clara Loweth Reeves Rachel Kananda Slater Robertson Alexander Robbie Salton Hayleah Jayde Sytnyk Jacob Michael Reeve Taggett Brock Howard Terry Grace Ellen Tessier Joshua Tiller** Hayley Celina Madison Welsh Emily Amanda Wessels Sean Whitby Emma Jane McFarland Wood Please join me in congratulating the recipients of Bachelor of Arts degrees in the Honours Program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage. Chancellor turns towards graduates and removes his hat to bow toward them.] [00:40:53] Mister Chancellor, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Science 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. [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Samira Amadu Rebecca Grace Ashworth Mohamed Badr Jordan Berbeck Sarah Birkbeck Meghan Britt Emily Rosemary Cauduro Ryan David Cosgrove Dylan James Harold Eagles Dee-Anna Jane Elliott Sydney Katherine Ensing Keira Gow Francis Leonard Guba Corrie Hendrika Teuna Hyland Ahmed Ismail Brianna Patricia Nicole Joseph Evan Paul Kopsala Daniel LaPierre Holly Elizabeth Leslie Shelbey Livingstone Shawna Mae Lough Madison Autumn Mercedes Maitland Katelyn Jean McLaughlin (and Macy) [This student has a service dog with her.] Carissa Mary Isobel McPhee Ashley Marie Alexis Mercer-Robinson Nena Pen Amy Winter Robertson Makayla Roper Jennifer Anne Routledge Carson David Schiller Jamie Ida Schwenger Madison Smith** Julia Suzanne Tepker Donna Alexandra Ward Allyson Jodi Wood Alright folks, if you could be so kind in joining me in congratulating the recipients of Bachelor of Science degrees in the Honours Program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage. Chancellor turns towards graduates and removes his hat to bow toward them.] [00:48:34] Mister Chancellor, I am pleased to present for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the General 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. [Applause can be heard after each name is read.] Caitlyn Nicole Dean David John Feeley Andrew Stirling Heigh Stephanie Marie Hull Jenna Hutchinson Tashi Dolma Lama Julianne Elizabeth Jane Liken Brent Daniel MacFarlane Shilore Annette McCullough** Mackenzie Mofford Heather Joy Winkler Please join me in congratulating the recipients of Bachelor of Arts degrees in the General Program. [Cheering and applause in audience and on stage. Chancellor turns towards graduates and removes his hat to bow toward them.] [00:51:25] Mister Chancellor, I now ask you to confer degrees in absentia on candidates whose names are before you and who are unable to be with us today. [Chancellor holds the brim of his hat and nods.] [00:51:45] Jackie Muldoon, Provost and Vice President Academic will now recognize an individual receiving a special award. [The view shifts to the large lectern. A woman in deep red and white academic gowns with a deep red mortarboard hat moves to stand at the large lectern. This is Jackie Muldoon, Provost and Vice-President Academic. The Registrar moves to the centre of the stage carrying a large framed certificate. She is joined by the Chancellor and a woman in a dark green academic gown. This is Gillian Stamp. The banner on the screen reads “Jackie Muldoon. Provost and VP Academic.] 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. Gillian Stamp has shown unwavering commitment to Trent University as an employee and volunteer for more than 40 years. As the Assistant Athletics Director, Gillian always went above and beyond for all members of the athletic centre: students, staff, faculty and community members. Notably, Gillian brought women’s field hockey to Trent and to Peterborough high schools. As a varsity coach, she mentored younger coaches and developed athletes. She never failed to exude a positive attitude and generosity of spirit. One athlete noted that she was more than a wonderful role model, she was a force of nature to witness. Gillian was inducted into the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame in 2014, recognized for her coaching and sport development in hockey, volleyball, tennis, and track and field. Gillian has been volunteering at Trent since her retirement in 1992. She has monitored exams for nearly 20 years and has been integral to the Trent University Association of Retired Persons, as Secretary and Social Convener. Since before she retired, Gillian has enjoyed volunteering at Convocation. She has helped countless Honorary Degree Recipients, special guests, Board of Governors, and faculty with their regalia. She has gowned 4 different Chancellors and Presidents – often helping them by sewing in a pocket here or putting an extra hook there. Last year she was recognized with a Provincial Volunteerism Award for her service to Trent. In addition, Gillian contributes in the Peterborough community, as part of the Theatre Guild and at Showplace. Her passion and dedication to Trent is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the many contributions she has made. Mr. Chancellor, I am pleased to present the Eminent Service Award to Mrs. Gillian Stamp. [The Registrar hands the certificate to the Chancellor and steps away. The Chancellor and Missus Stamp stand at centre stage. The Chancellor and Gillian Stamp shake hands and pose for a photo at centre stage. The audience applauds. The banner on the screen reads “Gillian Stamp. Eminent Service Award.” The audience on stage and in the audience stand in ovation for Gillian Stamp. Gillian Stamp returns to her seat.] [00:54:43] Mister Chancellor, Professor David Newhouse will now introduce the Honour Song. [Jackie Muldoon leaves the large lectern.] [00:55:00] [A man in a black gown with a gold and purple trimmed hood and black mortarboard hat stands at the lectern. The banner on the screen reads “David Newhouse. Director, Chenie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.”] David Newhouse: Before all words can be spoken, we bring greetings to all of Creation. We give thanks for another day of life. Mister Chancellor, 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 and 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 Creation. This heartbeat of Creation echoes still throughout the universe and infuses our beings with life. We sound the drum to connect us with all of Creation, to honour and celebrate life, and to live with humility among all living things. We offer these words of praise to those who are graduating this day. We offer these words of thanksgiving to those who have made these accomplishments possible. We offer these 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 live with respect, kindness, honesty, sharing, courage, and strength. We offer these words to honour the outstanding contributions of Gillian Stamp. And we offer these words to accompany you on your travels. May you travel well and may your lives be filled with grace and dignity. Mister Chancellor, Mister President, honoured guests, graduates, I have the pleasure of presenting Unity and the Honour Song. And may I ask you to stand for the Honour Song, and the song is The Horse Giveaway 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.] David Newhouse: Thank you, Unity. You may be seated. In Cree culture, the best horses are selected to stomp the grass around the Pow-Wow ground and when the grounds are prepared, the best horses are then given to the honoured guests. Mister Chancellor, I give you our best horses. [David Newhouse gestures to the graduates. Scattered laughter in audience and on stage. David Newhouse leaves the lectern. Leo Groarke stands at the lectern.] Leo Groarke: Excuse us, slight glitch in the program. As we come towards the end of the convocation ceremony, I want to give a few thanks. One of the things I’m trying to do with the convocations this year is highlight some of the unsung heroes of convocation and they are they people who come to all the convocations. We have ten convocations at Trent University now and they’re not so much in the spotlight, and I’m trying to pick one each time to thank, that we can all thank. I thought today I’d like to thank Robert Clark. Can you stand up Robert? [A man in black academic gown with an orange hood and black mortarboard hat stands at the right side of the stage.] Robert is the university librarian. A key person, in some ways the library is at the centre of the university, but what I want to note today is that he comes to every single convocation. He speaks to the audience before convocation begins. For all his work for convocation, could we have a loud round of applause for Robert Clark? [Applause and cheering in the audience and on stage.] I think there’s one other thank you that I want to share, and I want the graduands to help me with this. I will tell you that one of the remarkable things about convocation is family, and it’s wonderful how families come to convocation. I mean I could tell you stories about the families I’ve met this week and I can’t resist it – I’ll tell you at least one of them. Yesterday afternoon I met a father who had graduated from Trent University in 1987 and he was Spanish. He had come as an international student, and then he went back to Spain. He currently works and teaches in Barcelona, but he was so moved and impacted by his profound experience at Trent University that he sent his son from Barcelona to come and study at Trent. And this week, his son graduated from Trent, so he came back to share that moment. Families are so key to this. Graduands, that reminds that, though you have done all the hard work in examinations and writing papers, etc., you’re really here because of the support that your families have provided you with. Your families, your friends. Certainly, emotional support, maybe a little financial support as well. I think it’s time to thank your support group out in the audience, so I’m going to ask the graduands to get up and make a really loud round of applause for your support group in the audience. [Graduates stand at the stage and face the audience, cheering and clapping.] I think while you’re up, let’s do another one as well. Another one! [Graduates continue to cheer and clap.] Thank you. Feel the love. Congratulations to all our new alumni. Congratulations to Gillian on her special award. She’s a very special person at Trent. Please join us for a reception in the Alumni Atrium of the Student Centre after the ceremony – it’s the building behind the Bata Library. The procession will leave the stage following the singing of ‘O Canada’ and I would ask that you remain standing if you are able until the procession has departed. Mister Chancellor, I call upon you to dismiss convocation. [Leo Groarke leaves the large lectern.] [01:06:49] [Don Tapscott stands at the large lectern.] Don Tapscott: Thank you, Mister President. Graduates, you’re not just graduates, you’re now alumni and I’d like to introduce Maile from the Trent Alumni Association to say a couple of words before I give my closing remarks. [01:07:08] [A woman in Trent’s dark green gown with a white and dark green hood approaches the large lectern. The banner on the screen reads “Maile Loweth Reeves. Alumni Welcome.”] Maile Loweth Reeves: Mister Chancellor, Mister President, graduates, honoured guests. Good afternoon! And I’m glad you didn’t skip me. [Chuckles on the stage.] I am absolutely thrilled to be here and not just because my niece is among you today. I also want to acknowledge my mother who is attending her fifth Trent convocation. Second generation. [Applause in audience and on stage.] Thirty-four years ago, I sat where you are now, looking forward to a world of possibilities. That might be a cliché, but it’s true. Today I stand before you to welcome you to a distinguished and inclusive group with 43,000 members – Trent Alumni! Although I was a modest donor for many years I didn’t get more involved until pretty recently, and I wish I had done so a lot sooner and I urge you to do so. I love Trent and I love giving back to an institution which means so much to me and gave so much to me. I did a graduate degree at another university, but my heart belongs here. The Trent University Alumni Association is delighted to have you officially join our community today. We are a part of your lifelong connection to Trent. As I speak, an email is being delivered directly to your inbox, so you can update your contact info. You can do it now, right away, during this speech. We want to keep you informed – we have awards, benefits, and services we’d love for you to take part in. Trent is not only a part of your past but a part of your future. Today, 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 on stage and in the audience. Maile Loweth Reeves sits.] [01:09:28] [Don Tapscott stands at the lectern.] Don Tapscott: Well thank you all for being here today, and I hope that you graduates will look back on today with fondness, and not just as the end of a stage in your life, but as the beginning of an exciting new chapter. What a great day it was. I was just so happy to confer the honours upon Gillian Stamp. I tell you, we get Nobel Prize winners that don’t get a standing ovation. So, let’s give another round of applause for Gillian. In fact, there was an illusion to one of Gillian’s more recent innovations, which was the Chancellorian Hook. So, I had a problem that my gown was coming open. And so, she invented this fabulous hook and I’d just like to demonstrate how stable it is. [Chancellor stands next to the lectern and dances, showing the gown does not open Laughter on stage and in audience.] Works perfectly. I hope you patented that. Closing remarks like this are designed to inspire the graduating class and give some helpful ideas for the future. So, it’s a warmed day, let me dispense with that task quickly. Graduates, today is the first day of the rest of your life. Good things come to those who wait, and what doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger. Turn lemons into lemonade. Buy a good suit, and more importantly a good shirt and good shoes – hello, it’s all about the accessories! Brush your teeth and floss – I can’t overestimate the importance of flossing. And increase the proportion of vegetables in your diet. And I want you finally to write this one down, please never show up at a job interview with your parents in tow. [Laughter in audience and on stage.] So that about sums it up. Are there any questions before we wrap this thing? Seriously, I’m not going to pass on any career advice as the data shows that you will have successful careers and they will be related to your knowledge base and more importantly, your capability. Because at Trent, it’s not just what you learned that’s important, it’s that you learn how to think. How to think critically, how to solve problems, to collaborate, to put things in context, to see the big picture, and most importantly I hope that you’ve developed a passion for learning lifelong because you will reinvent your knowledge base multiple times as you go throughout life. So, as you leave these hallowed halls, by all means as Spock would have said ‘Live Long and Prosper.’ Build a prosperous life, for yourselves and your families but let me conclude that Canada and humanity needs more of you. See, the world you’re entering is full of challenges and opportunities. There are many things to be done. The world is too unequal, too unsustainable, too unjust. And your generation is being called upon to fix a number of the problems that my generation has left you – sorry about that. And really, to ensure that smaller world your children inherit is a better one that it’s prosperous, just and sustainable. There are huge changes in technology, our economy, society, the body politic, and each of you I hope will step up to participate in what will undoubtedly be the biggest transformation ever. Now I’m not suggesting that each of you go work for an NGO or try and become president of the world or something like that, but rather you’ll all have a role to play in this transformation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a consultant, a business executive, an educator, a researcher, a public-sector manager, politician, social innovator, or parent. And my hope is that you will also teach your children well and that overall, each of you will live a principled life of consequence and you will make a difference. Of course, this week you have an additional historic opportunity to exercise your precious right to vote. One of the graduates came across the stage and had a ‘Vote!’ button. Could you please identify yourself? There she is, at the back there. [Cheers from audience] And you have proud parents too. So, I’ve been traveling a lot around the world and have recently been in some countries where young people would actually probably die to have the right to vote and to have some control over the future. And your generation is now the largest voting group in Canada and you will choose, if you will it, the next Ontario government but you’ll also choose governments for the better part of the rest of this century. So, with great power comes great responsibility, okay? And changing the world is your opportunity and it starts with a vote, and I hope if you’re from around her and you haven’t voted yet that you’ll do that to today. Squeeze it in between trips to the bar or whatever else you’re planning on doing. So, congratulations to all of you. It’s a great time to be young and it’s an important time to be alive. And good luck to each of you. Dream big. Innovate. Be bold. Be Consequential. Change the world. Convocation is now dismissed. [Cheers and applause from all.] [01:15:56] [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. The views shift multiple times to show both audience and stage.] [01:17:09] [O Canada ends. 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!”]