'It didn’t really feel real': University of Lethbridge students cross the stage this week for convocation
It's an exciting time at the University of Lethbridge as convocation ceremonies kicked off Thursday.
After at least four years of studying, students taking the U of L’s School of Graduate Studies and Faculty of Arts and Science walked the stage this morning and stepped into the next phase of their lives.
"It didn't really feel real," said Leeza Voyevoda, a Bachelor of Science graduate.
"Like in December you kind of walk away from your final exam and you're like, I guess I'm done," she said. "Then today it finally solidified the fact that all my years of hard work have something for it now and it's really exciting."
"I'm relieved and relaxed," added fellow graduate, Kissan Ghose.
University of Lethbridge students celebrating their convocation Thursday
"I got to see friends again and shake hands with the deans and other people on stage. It was just an amazing experience."
"It's been a long four or five years and lots of ups and downs going through school these last couple of years but it's good to be back with everyone as a community again," said Holland Kelly who also graduated with a Bachelor of Science.
BIG DAY FOR FACULTY
While it was a big day for the graduates, it was also an exciting day for some faculty.
Dr. Trushar Patel received the Speaker Research Award for his work uncovering events at the heart of diseases like viral infections.
"I was running through a lot of emotions that finally the work was recognized and I was just over the moon basically because, like I said, this was one of the biggest recognitions for researchers on campus," Patel told CTV News.
Dr. Trushar Patel received the Speaker Research Award for his work uncovering events at the heart of diseases like viral infections at the University of Lethbridge convocation Thursday
HONORARY DEGREE
The university also handed out an honorary doctor of science degree to Timothy Caulfield.
Caulfield was at the forefront of communicating relevant and evidence based information and helping stem the spread of misinformation over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm just hugely, hugely honoured," he said.
"It's such a privilege and I love these ceremonies so much to see this big moment in individuals' lives. So yeah, (it's) an incredible, incredible honour."
U of L alum Terry Whitehead was also sworn in as the 15th chancellor of the university.
However, Whitehead says he was more focused on the students and their accomplishments than his own.
"It's a tremendous honour, it's exciting," Whitehead said.
"But the exciting part for me was just seeing the students cross the stage in front of their friends, (and) their families. They should be immensely proud of all they’ve went through and done to get to this point today."
Before they take their next big step in life, some of the graduates had one message for everyone who's thinking about their future.
"My entire university experience shaped me to be the person I am inside an outside of school, so if you're debating school, do it, trust your gut. If you don't want to, don't do it. Just be happy with your choice," said Voyevoda.
"Just put yourself out there, do the best you can and be proud of what you do," added Ghose.
Thursday morning’s ceremony was the first of four convocations.
The second happened earlier this afternoon, with two more set for Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.