Fall Convocation is Oct. 14 and the ceremony is our second-biggest celebration of the year next to Spring Convocation. The official ceremony starts at 10 a.m. in the Tournament Capital Centre.

Graduates, this day is all about you. It is one to applaud the endless hours, challenges and triumphs gone into completing your program requirements. It is also your opportunity to once again turn and acknowledge those near and far who have been there for you, playing support roles whether as a cheerleader, counsellor, advisor, coach, a shoulder to lean on and even those doling much-needed tough love.

Congratulations graduates, you did it. You survived the exams, the projects, class presentations and cramming more knowledge into your brain than you thought you would ever need. Well done and we are proud of you. You can now call yourself TRU Alumni and we encourage you to stay in touch and keep us up to date with what you are doing.

Convocation is a time for forward reflection and asking yourself, “How will I make a difference in the world using the career, travel and networking opportunities my education has opened up?”

Though this day will be a whirlwind of emotions and activity, remember to take time for handshakes, hugs, selfies and laughs.

Well done!

By the numbers

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one ceremony and one day.

313
graduates who have applied to attend to cross the stage and receive their certificates, diplomas, baccalaureates and degrees.

Graduates acknowledge their family and friends in the audience.

100+
programs with graduates, though not all graduates will be in attendance.

900+
family and friends in-person cheering from the stands and sidelines.

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way to watch live online.

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hashtag to stay connected. #trugrad16

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retired faculty being honoured with distinctions. Janine Chan will receive an Educator Emerita and Gary Hunt a Professor Emeritus. Chan retired in 2016 after 25 years in the Allied Health department. Hunt retired in 2016 after 26 years, most recently with Centre for Student Engagement and Learning Innovation and before that with Natural Resource Science.

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convocation ceremonies. This is Wally Oppal‘s final ceremony and his presence will be missed, from his warm smile and speaking with nearly everyone who crossed the stage and that included the children accompanying their graduating parents. His term as chancellor officially ends in April, 2017. As a side note, Oppal, a former lawyer and judge, congratulated about 200 Faculty of Law graduates since law’s first graduating class in 2014.

45+
TRU employees assisting behind and in front of the scenes from gowning to ushering and more.

Chancellor Wally Oppal takes a moment to speak with a graduate’s child.

Chancellor’s Welcome

Congratulations, graduating class of 2016.

Welcome guests, families, and friends. Inclusive, innovative learning is a hallmark of Thompson Rivers University, a model which has resulted in the diversity of certificates, diplomas, and degrees you will receive today.

Through your learning here, in and outside the classroom, you are well prepared for your future pursuits in the workplace, in further scholarship, and in society.

As successful graduates, your expertise and ideas will reflect the quality of your education. As members of our
society, be mindful of the values instilled in you here. Uphold diversity and free thought, a spirit of innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Our community and country share your pride in your accomplishment, and the hope that the knowledge and skills you have gained here will help you build a better world.

You have worked hard for this achievement. Savour it as you celebrate with your family and friends.

I wish you all the best for the future, and encourage you to stay in touch with your alma mater,
Thompson Rivers University. Once again, congratulations.

Sincerely,
Wally Oppal
Chancellor

President and Vice-Chancellor Alan Shaver addresses the audience.

President and Vice-Chancellor’s Welcome

Welcome graduates. Today, with family, friends, faculty and staff, we celebrate our students’ academic and professional milestones. Congratulations to each of you for successfully reaching your academic goals.

At TRU you have embraced opportunities for learning, service and leadership here in our community or halfway around the globe. Ideas, people, challenges and possibilities have inspired you. You found your TRU. The support and encouragement of family, friends, faculty and staff have kept you on the path to success.

As you embark on new paths of study, travel or work in our global community, I encourage you to carry TRU’s adventurous spirit and vision with you. Continue to find your TRU. To imagine, create, innovate, inspire and lead. As TRU alumni, you will forever remain a member of our university family, representing Thompson Rivers University everywhere you go.

At the end of the ceremony, I invite you all to a reception here at the Tournament Capital Centre. Congratulations graduates and best wishes for continued success.

Alan Shaver
President and Vice-Chancellor