Convocation season at the University of Guelph on the main campus is over and we have said goodbye to the main swathe of people from the double cohort. The huge numbers of students meant that not only were there more ceremonies this year but some of them were very large indeed. I want to thank everyone involved from the people in the Registrar’s Office preparing the lists of names and the publishing the programs for the events, the grounds staff for the set up and support, to parking and security for their help, to the grounds staff for the fabulous gardens and cleanliness of campus, to hospitality for the superb meals and collations, to the volunteers that helped robed the throng, to the beadle and volunteers who marshaled the troops, to the faculty, staff, alumni, students and board members who attended the ceremonies, and to the staff in the president’s office who kept everyone on track ……. the whole set of ceremonies was an incredible demonstration of the unique atmosphere, camaraderie and commitment of Guelph.

Time and again, parents and friends would comment on the amazing convocations at Guelph. For many, they were able to witness that special magic that distinguishes Guelph as a unique place with a unique sense of values and attitudes.

Wednesday 13th June was a bumper day. We held the most fantastic President’s Dialogue in the morning and listened to a stellar team of international experts on their views of Canada as a global citizen. The classroom in Rozanski was full and we had to use an overflow room. In addition, the event was simultaneously webcast and there was a lively ethereal audience present too.

And in the afternoon of the same day we installed Dr. Pamela Wallin as the 7th Chancellor of the University of Guelph. Our beloved Lincoln Alexander joined the event and was in fine form as he most gracefully (and with a great deal of humour) passed the baton to his successor (of whom he is clearly very fond). His shoes will literally and metaphorically be very large to fill but I have no doubt that Pamela will fill them. She has already won the hearts of a number of members of the community and there were some memorable moments when speaker after speaker at the ceremony itself and later at dinner spoke eloquently of the passion and commitment for our new Chancellor. Meanwhile, Linc will remain as the Chancellor Emeritus and will continue to play an important role in the ceremonial activities of the University.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the week and helped to make this our largest set of convocations some of the most memorable.