Lambton College in Sarnia. (Photo by Lambton College)Lambton College in Sarnia. (Photo by Lambton College)
Sarnia

Lambton College hosting first in-person convocation since 2019

The president of Lambton College is thrilled that the school is hosting an in-person convocation ceremony for the first time since 2019.

Upwards of 600 graduates will take the stage for a formal celebration at Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Wednesday, June 8.

Rob Kardas said it's the most important day on the college's calendar.

"It's the culmination of a lot of struggle, and the culmination of a lot of barriers," said Kardas. "I often say that I know I would be shocked if I knew all of the stories the students had to tell and the things they had to overcome to get them to that place. It's just a very special day, and it is the day for us because it makes it all come together."

Socially distanced convocation parades were held in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bluewater Health Chief of Staff Dr. Michel Haddad will be this year's convocation speaker. Kardas said he was a great choice because of his community leadership throughout the pandemic.

"It just felt appropriate for him to give the expiring message to our students who obviously have persevered through these last two years," he said. "Dr. Haddad has been such a leading voice locally, provincially and nationally on COVID. We thought, who better to send these students off into a world that now has changed."

Dr. Haddad will also be presented with an honourary diploma in Health Management and Leadership Development.

Following the traditional ceremony, the festivities will continue for graduates and their guests with treats such as live music, local food trucks, and a specially curated gift for each graduate on behalf of the Alumni Association.

A live stream of the entire ceremony will also be provided for students and their families who aren’t able to participate in-person.

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