Georgian College celebrates more than 3,800 graduates

NEWS RELEASE
GEORGIAN COLLEGE
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Approximately 3,850 students from Georgian’s seven campuses are graduating from 130 programs this month, joining the college’s global community of 95,000 alumni.

More than 2,450 of them chose to receive their credential in person at one of six convocation ceremonies held June 19 to 21 at the Sadlon Arena in Barrie.

“This is one of the most exciting and meaningful times of the academic year at Georgian,” said Kevin Weaver, Georgian’s president and CEO. “It took a lot of hard work and perseverance for our graduates to reach this milestone moment. We’re incredibly proud of them and inspired by all they’ve achieved.”

The ceremonies included special elements this year.

Eagle feather

In recognition of Georgian’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, an eagle feather will now be part of all convocation ceremonies to honour the strength, determination and commitment of graduates. Many Indigenous cultures believe the feather is sacred because of its ability to fly closest to the Creator. It symbolizes respect, honour, strength, courage and wisdom.

The morning ceremony on June 19 included the first processional with the eagle feather. To be gifted an eagle feather is the greatest honour and requires a commitment to respect and care for all of creation.

Georgian was presented with the eagle feather by Curtis Copegog, alumnus of the Native community and social development program (class of 2012, now called Indigenous community and social development) and addictions: treatment and prevention program (class of 2014) on May 10. Solomon King, alumnus of the cabinetmaking techniques program (class of 2018), designed and created a display case for the feather, too.

“Georgian is leading the way in supporting Indigenous initiatives, services and studies. For me, a missing piece was the representation of our Indigenous culture as students walked across the stage to receive their credentials. Having the eagle feather permanently present in the Georgian convocation is more inclusive and illustrative of the college’s commitment to the Indigenization strategy it has created,” said Copegog. “The eagle feather is also a reminder and guide to all students, graduates, faculty, staff and the community about the important continued Truth and Reconciliation work, which all must do.”

Presentation of honorary degree to Peter B. Moore

At one of the ceremonies on June 20, Georgian’s board of governors presented an honorary honours bachelor of business administration to Peter B. Moore — a seasoned entrepreneur, highly respected business leader, generous philanthropist and dedicated community champion.

“To be recognized like this at this time of my life is a great honour,” said Moore. “This is beyond my wildest expectations. It’s been a good, long ride and to make contributions to Georgian is a great thing to be able to do.”

Moore’s passion for innovation influenced him to turn an idea he had for a client into a prototype in his garage in 1979. That prototype led to a successful company he founded — Moore Packaging — which has become a leading manufacturer and employer in our region.

As president and CEO of Moore Packaging, Moore is committed to providing others with opportunities to ideate and create. He generously invested in the Peter B. Moore Changemaker Space and Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre at Georgian’s Barrie campus. Both have become hubs for students, faculty and industry to come together to solve complex challenges, develop and incubate ideas, prototype concepts, and test new products. Through various changemaking initiatives and applied research projects, Georgian and its partners are helping to strengthen our community and diversify and grow our local economy.

Moore was also recognized for the personal connections he makes with students.

“Peter embodies many of the qualities we hope to instil in our graduates,” said Weaver. “As Canada’s first — and only — Ashoka U designated changemaker college, we could ask for no better mentor to inspire our students than Peter. He models active citizenship as an engaged community board member, volunteer with many industry associations, and through his commitment to lasting positive social change.”

Moore has left an enduring legacy not only at Georgian but across a wide range of organizations and charities throughout Simcoe County. In May 2018, the board of governors presented him with an Award of Distinction in the Community Partner category for all the ways he’s helped to advance and support the college’s strategic priorities.

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