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Fleming College celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2024 with a two-day convocation ceremony at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Over 3,500 students from the college’s three campuses gathered for six ceremonies on June 11th and 12th.
Graduates from the School of Health and Community Services, School of Trades and Technology, School of Business and Information Technology, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, School of General Arts and Sciences, and the Haliburton School of Art + Design walked across the stage, cheered on by thousands of family members, friends, and classmates.
The event featured inspiring speeches from both students and faculty. Matthew Wilson, the valedictorian for the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, left his job in shipping to return to school with a mission to make the world a better place. “The path ahead will present challenges,” Wilson said. “In these moments, your true strength and commitment will shine. Embrace the opportunities to innovate, educate, and inspire. Let the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems fuel your determination to make a difference.”
Francine Sam, a Practical Nursing student and valedictorian for the School of Health and Community Services, initially enrolled in nursing school in Australia before life took her to a rural village in East Africa. There, she cared for vulnerable children and rekindled her passion for nursing. Speaking on June 11, Sam urged her fellow graduates to celebrate their accomplishments. “When tomorrow comes, we won’t remember the stress of deadlines or exams,” she said. “But we will remember this moment, the culmination of our hard work. This is the finish line we have hoped for!”
The decision to return convocation to the Peterborough Memorial Centre from the Sutherland, Frost, and Haliburton campuses aimed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. The ceremonies were also livestreamed on Fleming’s YouTube channel, allowing friends and family worldwide to participate.
Fleming College is proud of its graduates, who are now ready to make significant impacts in their careers and communities. As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, the college remains committed to supporting their success through extensive alumni networks and professional development opportunities.
(Written by: Ted Smith)
