Graduates Celebrated This Week at Cambrian College

SUDBURY – It was a celebration of graduates and alumni as Cambrian College held its convocation ceremonies at its main Sudbury campus this week.

Approximately 3,500 students received their various credentials in eight different ceremonies, including the first graduating class from Cambrian’s three-year Bachelor of Business Administration program.

In her address, Cambrian President Kristine Morrissey encouraged graduates to continue to learn, embrace their strengths, find their passion and give back to their communities.

“Your time at Cambrian was both a beginning and an end but it is not a final destination,” shared Morrissey. “The knowledge and skills you have acquired here are just the beginning. The world is changing, and we all have to keep pace. All of you also have resources and talents that can be used in the service of the greater good. Embrace the pace and the many opportunities ahead of you with optimism, passion and determination. I know that you will be successful!”

Outstanding student achievement was also celebrated at convocation.

The Governor-General’s Academic Medal is awarded to a graduating student with the highest overall average in their program.

This year’s recipient is Kris Co. Kris is a graduate of Cambrian’s Game Design program and achieved an average of 97.22 percent. Co’s capstone project in their final year was developing a game called Transient, a puzzle platformer featuring a non-binary main character. It is Co’s goal to bring more diverse stories and characters to the world of video games.

The President’s Gold Award is given to a student who achieves high academic standing and demonstrates contributions to campus life and the community.

This year’s recipient is Elina Shashkova, a graduate of the Addictions and Mental Health Graduate Certificate program where she achieved a grade point average of 4.0. An active volunteer, Elina is also an emerging community leader, volunteering with Cambrian Indigenous Student Circle, the Learning Centre’s breakfast club, the Wellness Warriors, the Elgin Street Mission, Canadian Red Cross and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day Celebration.

The President’s Silver Award also recognizes a student who has achieved high academic standing while contributing to campus life and the community at large.

This year’s recipient is Phoebe De Leon, a graduate of Cambrian’s Global Business Management program, where she achieved a grade point average of 4.0.

De Leon was a fixture on campus during her time at Cambrian, volunteering at a number of events including the recent June Open House – Student Takeover version, Summer Extravaganza, international student orientation, fall move-in weekend, Cambrian’s student community fair, and a Zoom seminar for potential students in Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.

Convocation is also an occasion to celebrate alumni and outstanding community leaders.

This year’s Alumni Award of Distinction was presented to Margaret Lindsay of Innisfil, who graduated from the Child and Youth Worker program in 1989.

Lindsay is the service coordinator for Bartimaeus Inc. She was responsible for the launch of a residential treatment centre for children with autism and developing essential training programs for foster and adoptive parents through CAS for PRIDE.

At convocation, Cambrian College also presents its highest honour, The Dr. Fred Sheridan Award. It is awarded to a community member for outstanding contribution to the advancement and betterment of society through extraordinary service to education.

This year’s recipient is Jesse Winters. He is a life-long community volunteer and philanthropist. Winters is the largest individual donor in Cambrian’s history. For decades, he has supported Cambrian College and its students through regular financial donations, including the establishment of the Dorothy Winters Memorial Awards in honour of his mother.

“I am honoured to receive this award, but more importantly, it has been an honour to support Cambrian College over the years,” says Jesse Winters. “I believe that people should support their community and help make it a great place to live and to learn.”