June 18th marked Convocation Day for the Class of 2020. But unlike other years, these graduates won’t walk across the stage to the applause of their peers, families and friends.
Thanks to the pandemic which cancelled in-person celebrations, they received their degrees in the mail, along with video congratulations from University President Feridun Hamdullahpur, a letter of congratulations from School Director Stanley Woo, and personal notes from staff and faculty.
“I know there are many uncertainties on the road that lies before you. But I also know that you have the skills and the strength to overcome them. You’ve proved this through the courage and determination you’ve demonstrated over the past four years and especially in the last few months.” - Dr. Stanley Woo, in his message to the Class of 2020
Our celebration doesn’t end with Convocation, however. On Sunday, June 28th, our graduates and their families, along with our faculty and staff, will gather online as a School. Together, we’ll recognize 89 new optometrists, and 6 graduate students who are about to begin the next phase of their professional lives.
The event will include remarks from Dean of Science Bob Lemieux, Dr. Langis Michaud, Director of the School of Optometry at Université de Montréal, and Dr. Michael Nelson, President of the CAO. Ashley McMath will give the Valedictorian Address. We will also present awards recognizing individual students and welcome a number of generous donors who have made these awards possible.
In the years to come, there will be new opportunities and new challenges as you enter into practice, perhaps taking on leadership roles in our profession, becoming champions for eye health or blazing new trails to guide others who come after you.
As the next leg of your journey begins, know that walking beside you are more than 3,600 WOVS alumni, as well as your Optometry family here at the School. - Dr. Stanley Woo, in his message to the Class of 2020
This may not be the way we’d hoped to celebrate our graduates in this, the Year of Vision, but we are no less proud of their achievements. Faculty and staff at the School extend our sincere congratulations to our newest alumni as they continue the mission to ‘help people see.’
The Class of 2020, way back in first year!