Congratulations to 1,117 graduates today (21 photos)

Stephanie Davies and her proud family posed for SooToday.com following today's Sault College convocation ceremony at the Essar Centre.

The 24-year-old graduate from the Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physiotherapy Assistant programs currently holds an assistant position at the Sault Area Hospital, but told us she'll be leaving in the fall.

Stephanie plans on attending Queens University to work towards her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Never fear, Davies Family.

Stephanie promised she'd return to the Sault once her two-year Masters program is complete.

Full text of a news release issued by Sault College follows.

Five new programs saw the first graduating class in 2012

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - May 25, 2012 - Families and guests of Sault College’s newest graduates have come together to celebrate this year’s academic achievements as the annual Sault College convocation ceremonies take place. 

Two ceremonies on May 25 at the Essar Centre recognized student academic achievements and successes this past year.

“Convocation is the best day to be a College President,” reflects Sault College President Dr. Ron Common.  “At the centre of the goals of our College is our commitment to the learning and development of our students. This is best reflected in the graduates we send out into the world.  Students are the focus of our work and our existence as a post-secondary institution. We take great pride in their accomplishments.”

The morning ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m., conferred students in the schools of Environment, Technology and Business, as well as Continuing Education programs.

Community member and WWII Veteran Paul Dalseg received an honorary diploma in Business from the College during the morning ceremony to recognize his contributions to the College, the city, and the country.

The afternoon ceremony, beginning at 2 p.m., conferred students in the school of Health, Wellness and Continuing Education, Community Services and Interdisciplinary studies and Continuing Education programs.

In total, there are 1,117 candidates for graduation from Sault College this year.

Among the graduates include the first graduating classes of Public Relations and Event Management, Peace and Conflict Studies, Digital Photography and Imaging, Video Game Art and Natural Environment Technologist – Conservation and Management. 

As per tradition, platform party guests, faculty and students were piped in by the 49th Field Artillery Pipe Band, followed by a welcome from President Dr. Ron Common and Board of Governors Chair, Joe Chilelli. 

This year’s keynote address was given by Brenda Combs, 2012 Premier’s Award Winner and Sault College Alumnus and Deputy Grand Chief Glen Hare of the Anishinabek Nation.

As with last year’s ceremonies, the “Korahsters” from Korah Collegiate, under the direction of Denine Williams, sang the national anthems before each ceremony.

Following the presentation of liripipes and diplomas, there was an honour drum song performed by the Healing Lodge Singers.

Smudging was available beforehand at the Essar Centre and a reception with refreshments took place at the Essar Centre after each ceremony where faculty and staff celebrated with students, their families and friends.  

About Keynote Speakers

Brenda Combs

Brenda Combs, Developmental Service Worker graduate of Sault College, and winner of the 2011 Premier’s Award for Outstanding College graduates, has been referred to as one of Canada’s “thought leaders” in family violence prevention and education in First Nations communities. 

An Anishnabe Quay from Batchewana First Nation, Brenda currently holds the position of Executive Director at Nimkii-Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter (Nimkii).

A passionate and dedicated woman, Brenda spends countless work and volunteer hours educating, assisting and leading women who are victims of domestic violence, abuse and poverty. 

Niimki serves Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal women in crisis, 24 hours and day, 365 days a year.

Under Brenda’s leadership, women in need are provided with emergency shelter and the essentials they require to remain safe in times when they need it the most.

Chief Glen Hare

A citizen of the M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, Glen Hare is serving his second term as Deputy Grand Chief of the Anishinabek Nation.

A fluent speaker of Anishinaabe-mowin (Ojibwe language), Deputy Grand Chief Hare recently served six consecutive terms as Chief of M’Chigeeng First Nation and two terms as the Regional Grand Chief for the Lake Huron Region.

Deputy Grand Chief Hare is an outspoken advocate for First Nations child welfare and customary care laws.

Deputy Grand Chief Hare currently sits on the Anishinabek/Ontario Resource Management Council (AORMC), an innovative partnership, policy and discussion forum between the Anishinabek Nation and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

He also serves on the Enforcement Working Group for the AORMC. In addition to his role as Deputy Grand Chief, Hare is also the Vice-President of the Anishinabek Nation Seventh Generation Charities.

About Honorary Diploma Recipient

Paul Dalseg

Paul is an outstanding individual who has excelled in so many areas. 

Early in life he learned entrepreneurial skills as he worked with his father in the Lake-of-the-Woods region of North-Western Ontario.

His service in the Second World War where he was shot down and imprisoned for over a year in a prisoner-of-war camp, and the work he has done since to ensure that the sacrifices of his comrades will never be forgotten and is truly remarkable.

His business career as an outstanding Canadian Tire owner, best exemplified by the high regard in which he is held by fellow Canadian Tire owners, employees and the public he served, speaks to his highly adept business acumen. 

His generosity in responding to all initiatives and charities locally, nationally and around the globe is truly extraordinary.

It is difficult to describe the full extent to which Paul and his late wife Eleanor have helped our city over the past several decades.

For all of these reasons, along with his admirable record of community service and interest in promoting education is why Sault College is proud to award an honorary Business Diploma to Paul Dalseg.

To view the complete list of today's graduates, please follow the links.