The 1,000-plus new graduates who weathered an extraordinarily stormy few years on their way to earning their degrees were rewarded with inspirational messages at Concordia’s fall 2022 convocation ceremonies. Students from the Faculty of Arts and Science, Gina Cody School of Engineering of Computer Science, John Molson School of Business and School of Graduate Studies gathered to accept their diplomas at Montreal’s Place des Arts on October 24.
Graduates from the Faculty of Fine Arts will celebrate convocation in spring 2023.
“Enjoy this moment in the company of loved ones who played an important role in your success,” Concordia’s chancellor Jonathan Wener, BComm 71, told the new alumni. “Be bold, take chances and do not be afraid to make mistakes.”
Concordia President Graham Carr also addressed the graduates. “What I hope you take from this ceremony is inspiration, the inspiration needed to transform the rigorous training that you received at Concordia into concrete, beneficial action for society and the world,” he said.
“Every year, thousands of new students begin their studies and thousands more graduate. And that’s how the cycle of inquiry, learning and innovation evolves and flourishes. Because in the end, it’s through all of you that we offer solutions to the world.”
Motivational messages
The ceremonies featured three honorary doctorate recipients who delivered encouraging words to the graduates.
At the Faculty of Arts and Science convocation, Fibbie Tatti, born to the Sahtúgot’ı̨ne First Nation on Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories and a distinguished educator, received a Doctor of Laws “for preserving and promoting Indigenous languages and culture.”
“Each of you has your gifts from the Creator. I am confident that each of you will be able to use your gifts to the benefit of yourself, your family and your people,” she said.
Tatti applauded the university for acknowledging the value of her work.
“Concordia is confirming that Indigenous languages are integral to who Indigenous people are. Our language and our identity come directly from traditional lands and are vitally important to the survival of Indigenous people.”