Portage College students graduating virtually this year

The countdown is on for the Portage College convocation ceremony.

At 7:00pm on Friday the college will have 502 eligible graduates put on their cap and gown and walking across the virtual stage.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s convocation will be completely online, and it is open to the public through a Zoom meeting.

Carrie Froehler, Portage College’s Vice President will be hosting the 40-minute ceremony. 

Although the convocation won’t be in person, the school has found ways to keep the students feeling connected through their Convocation 2020 webpage. 

“Through the webpage, students have the opportunity to upload a video message to their fellow peers,” said Jamie Davies, Portage College’s Corporate Communications Manager.

“They now have ways to share their celebrations on social media, we are asking them to send us a photo and video of their celebrations so we can create a mashup video.”

Students and families in attendance can expect pre-recorded videos throughout the ceremony by teachers, staff, and special guests include Anthony Johnson and James Makokis, the 2019 Amazing Race Canada winners. 

“They sent us a very engaging video, so we’re so excited to play it tonight for the graduates,” said Davies.

“We really tried to incorporate all of the fun aspects of convocation, so the students didn’t feel like they were missing out.”

Students were sent packages in the mail with their caps and gowns so they can still throw their caps together to finalize their college experience. 

For the students that are still wanting to participate in a face-to-face convocation, the college is welcoming any of tonight’s graduates to walk across the stage in future convocation ceremonies.