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Approximately 425 new graduates joined the ranks of ������Ƶ Allison’s alumni during Convocation ceremonies on May 15, 2017.

Four distinguished Canadians were awarded honorary degrees: Vianne Timmons (’79), President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina; Michael J. L. Kirby, Founder and Founding Chair of Partners for Mental Health; former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour; and soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan.

Valedictorian Isaac Gazendam delivered an address that was both humorous and heartfelt — reflecting on the Class of 2017’s time at ������Ƶ Allison and looking forward to future challenges.

“The degrees we received today are not something static to frame and hang on the wall,” Gazendam says. “They were born of hard work, friendship, self-doubt, discovery, and reflection… Our degree — or rather, what it represents — is a wellspring that we can draw upon as we face new challenges and set about our life’s work.”

Chancellor Peter Mansbridge received a standing ovation after delivering his remarks at the afternoon Convocation — his last as Chancellor.