Virtual Convocation celebration set to launch more than 1,900 graduates

In the midst of an ongoing pandemic, Sheridan is set to honour more than 1,900 graduates in the fields of business, the arts, community services, humanities, health, and science and technology, at a virtual Convocation celebration on November 4.

Each of Sheridan’s five Faculties and Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS) will have its own pre-recorded ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., and will be available for viewing on convo.sheridancollege.ca.

“Convocation is one of my favourite times of the year, and these graduates are deserving of a celebration that recognizes this important academic and life milestone, particularly in a time of change and upheaval,” says Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor. “I’m confident that the resiliency and flexibility these graduates have shown during the final months of their time as Sheridan learners has positioned them well to succeed and make meaningful contributions to industry and our communities.”

Valedictorians for each Faculty and CAPS will address their peers, reflecting on their Sheridan experiences and sharing words of inspiration and encouragement. These standout leaders were selected by their respective Faculties.

Jessica Maria Tavarayan, General Arts and Science – University Profile valedictorian will speak on behalf of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. An immigrant from Sri Lanka, Tavarayan overcame great hardship to make it to graduation. “If you told me last year that I’d be valedictorian, I wouldn’t have believed you,” she says. “I was trying to go unnoticed at Sheridan, get the work done and get in, get out. When I saw the compassion and understanding teachers showed towards me, it made me want to work harder because I didn’t want to abuse that kindness.”

To augment the at-home celebration, all graduates will receive a Convocation kit in the mail that includes their diploma, degree and/or certificate, stole, as well as an alumni pin and other celebratory items.

Students who have also completed Sheridan’s Board Undergraduate Certificate in Creativity and Creative Problem Solving will receive an orange Honour Cord, a symbol of academic achievement and creativity. This unique certificate provides an opportunity for every degree student to gain a deliberate set of 21^st century creative thinking skills and creative problem solving competencies that are recognized in a formal credential and endorsed by the International Center for Studies in Creativity, Buffalo State, The State University of New York (“ICSC, Buffalo State”).

Graduates are invited to celebrate their success on social media with customized Instagram filters and games, Facebook frames, Giphy stickers, Zoom backgrounds and more.

“Behind each of our graduates are people who’ve supported them whether faculty, staff, family, friends or peers,” says Dr. Morrison. “Virtual Convocation is an opportunity for our graduates and their supporters to come together – albeit at a distance – to honour this moment.” Employees at Sheridan continue to work on a plan that will allow graduates to cross a stage in recognition of their achievement when health officials deem it is safe to do so.

This latest cohort of Sheridan grads will join the college’s international alumni community of 190,000 strong.