Not even a global pandemic can stop the Portage College family from coming together to celebrate this year’s graduands. After making the difficult decision to cancel Convocation, Portage staff began brainstorming alternative ways in which students could still celebrate their Convocation in style, while still following the rules of social distancing. It didn’t take them long to arrive at a solution. On June 5, Portage College will host a virtual convocation where students can celebrate their accomplishments with fellow peers, faculty and staff.

“We want to replicate what students would have experienced on the day as best we can,” said Nancy Broadbent, President and CEO of Portage College. “Although we won’t be able to be in the same room as our students, we still want to celebrate their journey in style.”

Students will be sent care packages, including a cap and tassel, scroll, and information on how to connect virtually for the celebration. Every student has the option of requesting an eagle feather blessed by an Elder to represent the Honour Ceremony, held every year in conjunction with Convocation.

Convocation 2020 will include many of the elements of a traditional, face-to-face ceremony. The virtual celebration will feature speeches from the President, the Board of Governors, faculty and student representatives, and award acknowledgements. Online meeting rooms will be made available to chat with faculty and fellow students. The College is asking students to share photos of the big day so that family, friends and colleagues can also be a part of the celebration.  

 “We hope students will take part in this meaningful day with us. It’s always a wonderful experience for everyone involved,” said Broadbent. “There is no more important day on the College calendar so we’re pleased that we’ll be able to celebrate with our amazing students once again this year!”

The College is asking all students to update their current address and contact information to ensure its accuracy. Eligible graduands are to receive an email from the College with more details on the virtual event as well as information regarding the mailing of their care package.

If students have any suggestions as to how the College could make Convocation 2020 more special, please email them to events@portagecollege.ca.

Media Inquiries:
Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager 
780-623-5581 or email