Faculty and students at Holland College are looking forward to this spring when expanded graduation ceremonies can once again include family and friends.

Holland College President, Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, said the entire college community is excited about the change.

“In addition to celebrating the achievements of our students, the return of less restricted ceremonies marks the start of what we hope will be a return to ‘normal’.  As we move forward we’ll continue to work with the Chief Public Health Office to ensure the safety of our students, staff and visitors,” he said.

This year’s ceremonies will feature some new elements intended to make the events more student focused, including the selection of valedictorians for each ceremony.

This year the college put out a call for valedictorians for each of the six graduations taking place from May 18 to July 28. Nominations for valedictorian will be accepted from faculty, staff, or a fellow student, or students may nominate themselves by submitting two letters of reference, one from a member of faculty. The graduation committee will shortlist the top three nominations, who will be interviewed by a panel.

This year’s ceremonies also mark the introduction of a new award. The President’s Award of Dedication will be selected by program managers and instructors and will be awarded in each department to a student who has shown great personal achievement and dedication to their program, and made positive contributions to their programs and their campus or centre.

The graduations will take place in Summerside at the Harbourfront Theatre and on the Prince of Wales Campus in Charlottetown. Find more information here.

In this picture: Shelby Davis, a graduating student in the Practical Nursing program in 2019, the last time family and friends could attend graduation ceremonies. The college is planning to expand this year’s ceremonies to include family and friends once again.