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The piper has packed up and gone, more than 1,000 students have received their degrees, 3,500 guests have visited Trent University and two outstanding Canadians have been recognized with honorary degrees. Convocation 2000 is now in the history books. It was a time to celebrate, to mark completion of goals achieved and begin the journey towards new ones. But an event of this magnitude doesn't just happen. It takes months of planning, years of experience, nerves of steel and a winning team to bring together all the components that ensure a successful day. "It's rather like getting ready for a wedding a really huge wedding," said Dianne Choate, secretary of convocation. łThere are invitations to be sent, gowns to prepare, seating plans to arrange, special guests to accommodate, meal arrangements and endless last minute details." Without the efforts of a virtual army of volunteers, it would be impossible to bring off the event at all, said Choate. And it all begins a year in advance, meaning that Choate and her team are already thinking of ways to make next year's convocation even better. "We start with a post mortem, and look at all the things that worked well and what we may be able to improve upon." Once again this year, graduation was a huge success, said Choate, "and I wish to send a great big thank you to all the staff members and volunteers who contributed their time, energy and expertise on convocation day and in the weeks and months leading up to the ceremony. Your enthusiasm and dedication helped to make the occasion a happy and memorable one for the graduating students and their guests." She also expressed appreciation to all the members of faculty, the Board of Governors, alumni and guests. "Your participation either by your presence or by taking an active role in the ceremony itself was especially important to the graduating class. Congratulations on helping to put together another successful convocation." |
