On Tuesday, June 30th, Columbia International College honoured close to 200 graduates during June’s Graduation Ceremony. Held in the Ainsliewood Gym, parents, guests, teachers and staff were in attendance to celebrate the students and their achievement.
Keynote Speaker
Columbia was honoured to have Dr. Martin Singer, Dean Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University deliver the Keynote Address. On his last day as Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Singer congratulated students on their accomplishment and applauded them on choosing to study abroad; “Congratulations for choosing Canada, for choosing Columbia, for being ambitious in your studies. Never lose that ambition.”
Dr. Singer’s motivational words encouraged students to work hard and pursue their dreams. His advice, centred-around giving back, urged students to do their part in helping those in the local and global community, as well as students who are pursing higher education abroad; “Encourage students to come to Canada. Help students who might benefit from your experience.”
Guest Speaker
Mr. Ken Withers, Director University Student Recruitment, University of Toronto (U of T), was also in attendance to share some exciting news with Columbia students. Mr. Withers announced a new scholarship program between the University of Toronto and Columbia.
As Columbia is the leading feeder school for U of T in the world – meaning more students attend U of T from Columbia than any other school in the world – the scholarship recognizes and rewards the Columbia’s high achieving graduates.
The University of Toronto Future Leaders Admissions Scholarship will be valued at approximately $40,000 each year and will be divided amongst high achieving students on entrance to the:
o Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
o University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus
o University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus
o Rotman Commerce
o Arts and Sciences or Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education OR Faculty of Music OR Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design.
To the delight of students, Mr. Whithers announced the first five recipients of the scholarship.
Valedictory Address
Ms. Fafali Ahadzi delivered a unique and inspiring Valedictory Address. She began by singing a beautiful rendition of Beyonce’s I Was Here and reminded her classmates that each of them will leave a mark on the world one way or another. Just as teachers and staff encouraged and pushed students to overcome challenges and work harder, she asked her peers to do the same as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, she stated the importance of using resources like family, friends, and teachers to be successful. Fafali also reiterated Dr. Singer’s message to make an impact on the community which you live and to give back in any way you can.
Vote of Thanks
In delivering the Vote of Thanks, Mr. Ian Lung Shi Yuan thanked teachers and staff for being excellent sources of support for students during their time at Columbia. On behalf of the graduating class, he thanked all those responsible for keeping students’ safe and ensuring that they succeeded including Sodexo, Maintenance, Campus Safety, Residence, Student Development and Liaison.
University Representatives
A number of University Representatives from across Ontario joined us to celebrate our June graduates. Representatives from the following universities assisted in presenting students with their diplomas:
• Brock University
• University of Guelph
• Carleton University
• McMaster University
• Ryerson University
• University of Waterloo
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• University of Toronto
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and
• York University.
Columbia would also like to thank the following people for their work in organizing this year’s June graduation; Mr. Lawlis and the Vocal Music Class, the University Placement Office, the Liaison department, teachers, support staff, maintenance and cleaning staff, Sodexo, and the I.T. department.
Congratulations to all June graduates!
Missed the ceremony? Watch it on our YouTube Channel.