University of Guelph-Humber

With a boisterous reception, the University of Guelph-Humber recently celebrated this year’s graduating students at the 12^th annual Last Lecture.

In an evening gathering on campus, students dressed elegantly and nibbled on hors d’oeuvres before packing an auditorium to chant for their programs and toast their achievements over the past years at UofGH.

“We are celebrating a major milestone in your lives,” said Assistant Vice-Provost and Program Head of Business Dr. George Bragues in his opening speech. “It is my hope that you will go out there and realize all your potential.

“Congratulations to the class of 2017.”

It was a lively evening, with energetic host Laura Josephs even getting some students on their feet and dancing as the proceedings kicked off.

Staff from different programs made send-off videos to the upcoming graduates, competing as always to see who could put together the most creative clip. Media Studies created a hilarious “Game of Thrones” tribute, Career & Placement Services contributed their own take on “Carpool Karaoke,” Library Services staff borrowed words of wisdom from Dr. Seuss, and Vice-Provost Dr. John Walsh even donned part of Swoop’s costume for his shout-out.

Justice Studies instructor Ron Stansfield earned the Faculty/Staff Mentoring Award to big applause and chants from some of his students, while Justice Studies student Ovais Ahmad won the Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award for all his contributions to campus life at UofGH. Nightingale was here in person to present Ahmad with the award, just as he has been every year since the award’s inception in 2009.

Alumni speaker Jared Batten, who graduated from Business in 2012, discussed the path that led him from UofGH to Walmart Canada, where he’s a senior financial analyst in the eCommerce division, while Business student Nina Erceg-Gogic delivered a final heartfelt speech wishing her fellow graduates well as they head off into the world.

“I think I speak for all of us when I say I appreciate what Guelph-Humber has given us,” she said.

Learn more about Student Life at the University of Guelph-Humber.