Congratulations to our 2023 spring graduands, many of whom attended the CFM Graduation Dinner that was held on April 11 in their honour. The soon-to-be alumni spent the evening enjoying drinks at the open bar, socializing over a delicious dinner provided by UW Catering and Events Services, and listening to a few inspiring words from CFM Co-Directors Justin Wan and James R. Thompson.
To kick off the evening, guests began arriving at 5:30 pm and by 6:10 pm, everyone had helped themselves to a drink, taken their assigned seats, and shared a few excitable hellos with their peers. Dinner came soon after, beginning with a tasty appetizer of soup and tomato mozzarella salad. The main course, truly the star of the evening, was served to some as beef striploin and to others as chickpea and tomato stew 一 both of which were equally delicious!
After dinner, CFM Co-op Student Elly Schyven took to the podium to play a quick game for a lavish prize: the gorgeous flower centrepieces at the heart of every table! Congratulations to the five lucky winners who got to bring one home, vase and all!
While the winners of the game delighted in their victory, Elly invited Co-Directors Justin and James to give a few words. Together, they presented a retirement gift to former CFM Co-Director Duane Kennedy to honour all that he has done for the program over the years. We hope you enjoy retirement, Duane!
In addition to presenting Duane’s gift, Justin and James delivered short but sweet speeches to the students that celebrated their truly remarkable achievements throughout their 一 no doubt sometimes difficult 一 years studying at the University of Waterloo. Thanks for delivering such a heartfelt and inspiring address, Justin and James!
As if dinner wasn’t delicious enough, dessert was then served: a tasty crème brûlée paired with a hot cup of coffee and/or tea. Yum!
Finally, to end off the evening students grouped together with past and present co-directors to take a few commemorative photos. Naturally, the pictures turned out wonderful!
And, just like that, the night came to a close. Our soon-to-be alumni were sent home with the gift of a handwritten card, a CFM deck of playing cards, a CFM travel mug, a UW pen, and a UW keychain all packed neatly into a CFM gym bag.
Once again, thank you to everyone who made this wonderful dinner possible, including SAF Events Manager Jessica Bauer, Co-Directors Justin Wan and James R. Thompson, Co-op Student Elly Schyven, and UW Catering and Events Services. And, of course, congratulations and thanks to our brilliant future alumni 一 we sincerely hope that you enjoyed the event and wish you nothing but the best with all of your future endeavours!