Convocation Address

Posted on Friday, October 2nd, 2020

The prepared remarks of President Claude Brulé.

May 19, 2020

Hello everyone. My name is Claude Brulé and I am your President.

Graduates — on behalf of the Board of Governors of Algonquin College, I want to congratulate you.

This was to have been your day, and even though that day has been delayed for safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to tell you that it will happen — perhaps not in the form that we expect, but we will mark this important milestone in your life. You have my word, and the word of the entire Algonquin College Executive Team.

So, this is not my convocation address to you — that will come later, when we celebrate together. But I would be remiss if I did not tell you how proud we are of your accomplishment. No matter your program of study or the length of time you have been with us, you have taken a giant step forward — and you have done so in unprecedented times.

When I became your president last summer, I could not have imagined that we would face the challenges that have arisen these past few months, and I am sure that you could not have anticipated that your final term with us would unfold quite as it has. That you have met and surpassed these challenges is a testament to your hard work, determination and, I think most importantly, your strength of character.

Your character will be tested byyour ability to push forward with your chosen career at a time when there is still great uncertainty. Don’t give up — you have our ongoing support. And don’t forget — you are now a proud member of the Algonquin College Alumni and Friends Network; there is support there too. I encourage you to stay connected with your vibrant alumni community that stretches around the world. We will always be here to help — through continuing education classes, our Corporate Training Centre and more. In fact, we will be following you closely — to celebrate your successes and offer assistance for your setbacks.

The final test of character will be your willingness to wait. There are plenty of expressions and wise sayings about the value of patience — but I will spare you these because I know that nothing I can say or quote will have deeper meaning for you than the patience you have already shown. I hope, however, that you never lose your impatience for taking the next steps in your life — you have plenty to be impatient about because, armed with your Algonquin College credential, your future is very bright. Seize the days ahead with some of that same impatience. Don’t wait for opportunity to come to you, pursue it now. Start calling your contacts and tap your virtual networks so that when things open up, you are ready to hit the ground running.

I look forward to the day when we can celebrate your accomplishment together.Until then, I wish you all the very best.


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