CUE celebrates student success at Convocation 2023

The highly anticipated Convocation 2023 at Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) was an unforgettable event that marked the accomplishments of our second largest graduating class. 

The ceremony was held at the Edmonton Expo Centre last Saturday, where fellow students, family and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of our Faculty of Science, Education, Arts, and Management students. Read names of graduates in our Convocation Booklet. 

Before the ceremony began, students were fitted with their gowns and eagerly waited to enter the grand hall. Zebedi Odongo arrived early and calmly waited with his siblings to be called into line behind the procession of faculty and students. His five brothers came in support, each of whom also attend CUE. 

Zebedi’s brothers were excited to watch the first in their family get his Bachelor of Science degree. This day was the stepping stone to his future career in pharmaceuticals. Zebedi is a chemistry graduate and he says, “I am hoping to get my doctorate and study the efficiencies of medication, perhaps eventually working in a hospital setting one day.”

After the grand procession, eminent speakers take the stage

The ceremony commenced with the Chief Marshal and Mace Bearer, Patrick Kamau, and the Eagle Staff Bearer, James Minoose, leading the faculty and graduates into the large hall.  Learn more about CUE’s symbols and traditions. 

Once the dignitaries reached the stage, Chancellor Stephen Mandel reminded graduates  the tradition of convocation has been around for 700 years, and that as fellow graduates, they are walking in their footsteps. 

“This is a day you will long remember. The road travelled has been different for each of you. You have been exposed to classmates from around the world. You have learned to value each other and work together to build bridges of unity and understanding.” –  Chancellor Stephen Mandel

CUE Board Chair, John Acheson, took a moment to point out the integral role friends and family have in the lives of graduates. As CUE graduates embark on the journey of transitioning into the next phase of their life, the support and guidance of loved ones is so important, he said.

Leading with empathy and kindness

CUE President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Loreman, placed special importance on the values shared at CUE – creating a culture of kindness. Tim drew the audience in by retelling The North Wind and Sun fable and concluded by saying, “Leading with empathy and kindness will be the key to your success in the future.”

“Graduands, as you enter your career, I hope you never forget the power of kindness. It costs nothing, but it can mean everything to the one who receives it.” – President Tim Loreman

As a close knit community, Tim also spoke about CUE as a place of strong connections, which has been a highlight for many students, who have said they’ve made life-long friendships here. Tim encouraged students to keep connected, saying  “As you go into your chosen career path or onto more schooling, you will find a new community to belong to. Belonging to a community has richly rewarding benefits. You have a group of like-minded folks to share ideas with. You have a group of friends to prop you up when you’re feeling down. You feel not only included, but have a place to belong.” 

Towards the close of the ceremony the Honour Song was played by James Minoose and Donnelly Paul, to a captivated audience as the moving sounds of the drums and singing carried throughout the Expo Centre. The song is sung as a tribute to CUE graduates, their families and their communities, and to wish graduates well on their journey. 

The time-honoured Alma Mater Song was also performed as a way of carrying on traditions of the past. CUE’s traditional lyrics are:

Far above Saskatchewan’s waters,

With its waves of blue,

Stands our noble Alma Mater,

Glorious to view

Lift the chorus, speed it onward

Loud her praises tell;

Hail to thee! Our Alma Mater,

Hail, Concordia, hail!

Strong bonds endure long after graduation

Christian Potolicki, Vice President of the Alumni Association, spoke on behalf of the Concordia Alumni Association, urging students to stay connected and stay in touch with CUE. “Although your time as students has ended, it is the beginning of an exciting new phase of your relationship with the university as alumni,” he mentions.

“You now join a diverse community of individuals who are connected by a common thread; an Institution that has prepared you to become independent thinkers and positive contributors to society.” – Christian Potolicki

Recognizing excellence through student awards

CUE’s student award presentations are a fitting tribute to the dedication and exceptional achievements shown by students. By highlighting the recipients at Convocation, we hope to inspire fellow students to strive for excellence. 

Stephen Mandel presented two of our graduates, Raghav Thakkar and Alesha Worthmann, the Governor General Academic Awards, which are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average. Carmen Arth, VP of Campus Life presented Qusai Murad with the Student of the Year award, which is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership in extra-curricular campus activities.

Graduates embark on a world of possibilities 

In closing, Chancellor Mandel encouraged students, saying, “Graduates, the world is open to you to be leaders. Your hopes and dreams will be the foundation for our future. Your desire to be faithful in whatever you do and your willingness to serve others will give your life both purpose and meaning.”

Following the ceremony, graduates and their loved ones gathered for a celebratory reception. Lots of laughter was shared as they posed for photos and tears flowed as they recalled the past years spent together. We hope Convocation 2023 will forever be a cherished memory for CUE graduates and their families.