Environmental and Human Rights Activist Sheila Watt-Cloutier Addresses Graduates from the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology and School of Justice Studies
Belleville, Ontario, June 5, 2015 – On the afternoon of June 4 at Loyalist College’s 48th Annual Convocation Ceremony, 304 graduating students in Biosciences, Building Sciences and Justice Studies were recognized with advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates. The ceremony was the second of four, recognizing a total of 2,070 Loyalist graduates.
The Convocation address was delivered by guest speaker Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a Canadian Inuit advocate who was born in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik. Ms. Watt-Cloutier recently released her first book: The Right to be Cold: One Woman’s Story of Protecting Her Culture, the Arctic and the Whole Planet. Through her memoir, she chronicles the challenges of climate change as it relates to the human rights of people living in the Arctic. In 2010, she was named one of 25 Transformational Canadians by the Globe and Mail and CTV, and in 2012 her life’s work was celebrated in a Canadian Stamp commemorating the Jubilee Year, having been recognized by Canada Post as one of four ‘Canadians who made a difference.’ Through the years, Ms. Watt-Cloutier has been awarded a number of honorary doctorates.
“If there is one thing that I have learned about when I was growing up in my traditional culture it’s that everything and everyone is connected,” said Ms. Watt-Cloutier. “This connectivity is what opens up all the possibilities in front of us, even those we cannot imagine. It gives all of us unlimited potential for this life journey. What a time of uncertainty about a sustainable planet, for you to be graduating. And what an opportunity for you to start out in life to take the lead on how you will work to build a sustainable future for yourself and for the next generation.”
In recognition of her outstanding career in environmental and human rights advocacy, Chair of the Loyalist Board of Governors Brian Smith presented Ms. Watt-Cloutier with an Honorary Diploma.
During the Ceremony, The Herbert Young Scholarship Award was presented to Chemical Engineering Technician graduate Timothy Richard Neal Lucas of Roslin, Ontario for his outstanding academic achievements and participation in Loyalist College life. The award is presented annually in recognition of Herbert Young who was the President of Loyalist College from 1970–1988.
About Loyalist College
When it comes to grads getting jobs, Loyalist College is the #1 College in Ontario. According to Provincial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results released April 15, 2015, 89.3 percent of the College’s most recent graduates found employment within six months of graduation compared to the provincial average of 84 per cent. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior student services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and 500+ online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and the LEED® Silver certified Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses, visit loyalistcollege.com.
During the second of four Convocation Ceremonies held at Loyalist in Belleville, Ontario on June 4, 2015, guest speaker Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier (centre) receives an Honorary Diploma from Chair of the Loyalist Board of Governors Brian Smith (right). Also pictured are Loyalist College President & CEO Maureen Piercy (left) and Senior Vice-President, Academic and Student Success John McMahon (centre left).
More than 300 graduates from the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology (Biosciences and Building Sciences) and School of Justice Studies at Loyalist College celebrated their achievements with family members and friends following the second of four Convocation Ceremonies held at Loyalist in Belleville, Ontario on Thursday, June 4, 2015.