Photo: Michel Caron – UdeS
Thousands of new graduates participated this year in the spectacular investiture ritual for the convocation of the University of Sherbrooke, on September 23. Under the bright sun, 3,130 graduates were dressed in the official colors of their alma mater, in front of an audience of more than 11,600 people gathered on this unforgettable day of joy and celebration.
Rector Pierre Cossette proudly addressed the new graduates at the very beginning, reminding them of the importance of knowledge, creativity and critical thinking to face the challenges of today’s world.
Photo: Michel Caron – UdeS
“At the time of the development of search engines and artificial intelligence, the challenge is not only to have knowledge, but to be able to evaluate the validity of received information, to understand people’s needs and identify their real expectations, to appreciate what really applies to the situations we encounter. Your academic journey takes on its full meaning in an era too often marked by misinformation and exclusion,” he stated.
He highlighted the essential contribution of universities to society, stressing the importance of education, higher education and research for the progress of our society and the development of the people who make it up.
Photo: Michel Caron – UdeS
By celebrating the end of their university career, graduates concretely stamp their affiliation with their university. About 4,962 completed the training this year, including 3,058 on 1this onecycle, 1689 to 2ecycle and 215 to 3ecycle.
Graduation ceremony marked by a grandiose ritual
An emotional moment, the investiture ritual is one of the highlights of the convocation, culminating in an impressive turning of the cloak. Actor, playwright and director Mani Soleymanlou spoke each word of the lyric text calmly during the investiture ceremony: “Your dream of knowledge, you have achieved it. Now have the boldness of your ambitions, the courage of your opinions, the pleasure of going after the team, and the pleasure of achieving yourself! »
Photo: Mathieu Lanthier – UdeS
Convocation song Go, run, fly!, a creation by André Marquis with music by Robert Ingari, both professors at UdeS, was virtuosically performed by soprano Catherine Elvira Chartier. She was accompanied by the Sherbrooke Wind Orchestra, which gathers almost 50 musicians, several of whom study at the UdeS School of Music.
Photo: Mathieu Lanthier – UdeS
Ambassadors ready to change the world
The Rector thanked the relatives of the graduates who supported them on their journey, as well as the teaching staff and staff of UdeS, who contribute to the creation of the “UdeS difference” with their engagement:
We at UdeS understand that learning and discoveries take on their full value when they are transferred and applied: through advice, through internships, through new jobs, through the improvement of our public services, through commitment to the community.
Pierre Cossette, rector
Photo: Michel Caron – UdeS
He also invited the graduates to become true ambassadors of UdeS:
This embassy will be distinguished by the creativity you will implement in your environment, by your listening and by the originality of your journey. You can take concrete action and make a difference around you, through your big and small actions. In this way, you will become responsible citizens who change the world, which is at the heart of our commitment as a university.
Pierre Cossette, rector
Honor to exceptional personalities
The University of Sherbrooke also honored eleven outstanding personalities, to highlight their significant contributions to their fields of expertise. Four people received their doctorateshonoris causawhile seven teachers who distinguished themselves during their careers received emeritus degrees.
Photo: Michel Caron – UdeS
Recognized for his exceptional qualities as a diplomat and negotiator, the honorable L. Yves Fortier, who played key roles in several international institutions, won the title of honorary doctor of the UdeS. The same honorable mention was given to singer and songwriter Richard Séguin, an engaged citizen and essential figure in Quebec’s cultural landscape. A great contributor to the legal world, especially in the field of tax law, Honorary Judge Marc Noël was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Management. Christian Vachon, the man behind Relais Desjardins du Lac Memphrémagog, which supports the perseverance and educational success of young people from vulnerable backgrounds, received his Ph.D.honoris causa in Physical Activity Sciences.
Photo: Mathieu Lanthier – UdeS
Professors of applied geomatics and social work, Lynda Bellalite and Suzanne Garon received degrees emeritus in literature and humanities. Professors Jacques Pépin and Réjean Hébert were recognized for medicine and health sciences. Professor of psychoeducation Michèle Déry received an emeritus in education, while the one in science was given to computer science professor Jean Goulet, former vice-rector for human resources and international relations. Professor Anne-Marie Robert, who was the first woman at the Faculty of Management, also earned the title of professor emeritus of this faculty.
The Rector also praised the excellence of the results of four students by presenting them with the Academic Medal of the Governor General of Canada, namely Nancy Allard, PhD in Biology, Maria-Gwen Cayetano-Emond, BA in Law. , Malika Richard, MSc in Orientation, and Philippe St-Martin, MSc in Physical Activity.
Photo: Michel Caron – UdeS
To the thousands present at the 2023 Parliament, it is an understatement to say that this lively day of awarding diplomas and honorary titles will remain etched in their memory for a long time.
Check out the photos from the event!
About the convocation of UdeS
Convocation is the event that annually welcomes the largest number of people at the University of Sherbrooke. This day dedicated to student success has an exclusive formula that goes far beyond the traditional graduation ceremony, whose notoriety has been the envy of several Canadian universities. Divided into two parts, the event begins with an institutional ceremony that gathers graduates of all faculties and their closest relatives. This grandiose ceremony culminates in the ritual of investiture, while a spectacular turning of the mantle officially vests the graduates in their university’s colors of green and gold. It all continues with the college ceremonies, which take place simultaneously at different locations set up on the main campus, where graduates are invited to take the stage to receive their diplomas.