The academic year at Concordia, as with all educational institutions, is an exciting, busy time. From September through December, then from January through May, students and faculty members work non-stop on a plethora of papers, presentations, projects, research and exams.

And though summers are a little less hectic for most, they can be very intense for those students hustling to complete a final few credits or fast-tracking their degrees during accelerated timetables. There is almost no time during which the entire University gets to catch its breath.

But twice each year, during our convocation ceremonies, the Concordia community pauses to reflect upon the results of this hive of activity by celebrating the efforts and achievements of our students. Faculty, staff and members of the Concordia Board of Governors take time out of their busy days to sit under hot stage lights, at times for hours, simply to show their pride in and share the joy of what our graduating students have accomplished.

Convocation ceremonies are always deeply moving, memorable occasions. As President, I relish the chance to congratulate every graduating student at Convocation — of all ages and backgrounds, from disciplines ranging from computer engineering to contemporary dance — as they cross the stage and receive their degrees. All of these graduates, along with their family and friends in attendance, are rightfully proud of their achievements, and we are equally proud of them.

I especially enjoy seeing students I have had the pleasure to personally meet during their stay at Concordia. The devotion of each of them and indeed of all of our students to advancing their education and enriching their lives for the betterment of their families, loved ones and society as a whole is a source of pride that simply cannot be described. Every member of our Concordia family shares this pride, and Convocation is but one expression of it.

As the 2007-08 academic year kicks off, please join me in wishing all Concordians their finest and most successful year yet, as we embark on our mission of teaching, learning and research.

Claude Lajeunesse
President, Concordia University