The University of Lethbridge is pleased to announce that its spring convocation ceremonies will once again be held in person after two years of virtual convocation ceremonies because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am especially excited to see the return of in-person convocation ceremonies, as 2022 will be my last year as chancellor,” says Taatsiikiipoyii, Charles Weaselhead, chancellor. “When I became chancellor in 2019, I expected to preside over convocation ceremonies for four years but, as we all know, the pandemic interrupted those plans. I am very much looking forward to seeing students cross the stage once again.”
ULethbridge cancelled four convocation ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. However, we still wanted to mark this special occasion for students as best we could under the circumstances. As a result, and in consultation with graduating students, the University created convocation in a box. Graduating students were sent a box containing a cap and tassel, their parchment, a commemorative program, an alumni pin, an Indigenous stole if requested, and honour cords for those who graduated with distinction or great distinction. We celebrated virtually through social media when students donned their caps and posted their photos.
This year, the University looks forward to the return of more typical celebrations. Convocation ceremonies will be held on three days beginning on Wednesday, June 1. Wednesday’s celebrations will be reserved for graduates of 2020 and 2021, with both morning and afternoon ceremonies to follow on Thursday, June 2 and Friday, June 3. As part of these ceremonies, honorary degrees will be conferred and special award winners will be announced.
In addition, a number of activities associated with convocation, including the Chancellor’s Dinner and alumni celebrations, are being planned, with details to be announced at a later date.
Ceremonies will be open to the public and media are welcome to attend.