The Convocation ceremony, held at the Shaw Centre, was an exceptional celebration as it marked a historic moment with the installation of Claudette Commanda, a Common Law graduate, as the University's first Indigenous Chancellor. Read her installation remarks here.
The event began with a musical performance by Eagle Rivers Singers, an Algonquin drum group from both Kitigan Zibi and Barriere Lake, QC. Chancellor Commanda, accompanied by respected elders, was officially installed as the Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, by Jacques Frémont, President and vice-chancellor of uOttawa.
She gave an inspiring speech, thanking her family and community members from Kitigan Zibi, relatives from other Algonquin communities, and many friends from coast to coast. She was overcome by emotion, as were many people in the audience, and her grandchildren rushed to her side – embracing her, buoying her and kept their supportive hands on her back throughout the rest of her address. There couldn’t have been a dry eye in the house.
Kristen Boon, the Susan & Perry Dellelce Dean of the Common Law Section, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the significance of the day. She remarked, "Today is a day of tremendous joy. For graduates, this is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice." Dean Boon recognized the immense effort made by the students, their families their sacrifices, and their steadfast determination, which led them to this defining moment.
As if to emphasize the involvement of families in the law school journey, several graduates walked on stage with children in tow or in arms.
Dean Boon further spoke about the importance of community, saying that “collaboration and community are paramount to defining the law practice of tomorrow.” She also marked this moment of significant transition, saying that “transitions act as bridges connecting who we were to who we are becoming. They require us to let go of the familiar and step into the unknown, paving the way for growth, progress, and innovation.” She encouraged the graduates to embrace these transitions, for they hold the potential to shape their future endeavors.
Following her speech, Dean Boon introduced Polsia Carrozza, the Class Speaker, who graduated from the Programme de droit canadien. Carrozza captivated her fellow graduates, referring to them as the ‘first generation of Zoom lawyers’, and congratulating them on their dedication and hard work. She also spoke about the future, and the responsibilities that are incumbent on lawyers and law grads. She said “as we launch out into the real world and prepare to embark on our careers, I urge you to never forget that our law degree is a powerful tool. Regardless of our area of practice, we have the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of our clients, as well as on our communities, through our dedication and hard work.”
In her address, Marie-Ève Sylvestre, Dean of the Civil Law Section, commended graduates for their determination and resilience in overcoming the challenges this class in particular faced during their academic journey. She expressed, "We celebrate your courage, your strength of character, your ability to innovate and adapt, your openness to others and to diversity, and your desire to fight for a better, sustainable world where everyone has a place and can live in a healthy environment."
Dean Sylvestre extended her heartfelt gratitude to the teaching and support staff of the Civil Law Section saying, "a special thank you to the professors and administrative staff of the Civil Law Section, who have demonstrated more commitment, creativity, and innovation than ever to offer you world-class training and a memorable student experience!"
The convocation ceremony also featured a momentous occasion for the Faculty of Law, as Professor Eva Ottawa and Dean Sylvestre presented certificates to the first ever cohort of graduates from the Certificat en droit autochtone. This program holds significant importance as it aims to introduce Indigenous learners to law through Indigenous legal orders, and allowing students to reclaim their law, culture and language before engaging in a dialogue with state law.
The following 2023 graduates were recognized with awards and medals:
Clémence Thabet, the University Gold Medal
For the highest cumulative grade point average in the entire JD Program.
Aiyer Hrishikaesh, the University Gold Medal
For the highest highest standing in the entire civil law program.
Camille Bontems and Miteau Butskhrikidze, the University Silver Medal
For the second-highest cumulative grade point average in the entire JD program.
Flavy St-Pierre and Sonia Lemay-Naït, the University Silver Medal
For the second-highest standing in the entire civil law program.
Clémence Thabet, The George W. Ainslie Memorial Prize
For the highest cumulative grade point average in the entire JD Program.
Béatrice Allard, the Right Honourable Brian Dickson Prize
For the highest standing in the National Program (JD/LLL).
Farina Chaudhry, the Right Honourable Brian Dickson Prize
For the highest standing in the National Program of the Civil Law Section.
Sonia Agougou. Dean of the Civil Law Section's Prize
In recognition significant contributions made to the law school community.
Michelle Liu and Matthew Tai, the Common Law Section Dean's Award
In recognition of significant contributions made to the law school community.
Kay Hechaime, Luc Despins Prize
For the highest standing in the Droit canadien program.
Iulia Anescu, the Honorable Alice Desjardins Scholarship
For a cumulative grade point average of at least 8.0 in the National Program.
Aiyer Hrishikaesh, Francine Lefebvre-Landry Prize
For the highest cumulative grade point average in the LL.L. program.
Nathalie Chaar, The Ranjan Agarwal and Sunita Bhowmik Prize
For the highest cumulative grade point average over all 4 years in the JD/MA Program.
Please visit our website to view the list of award and medal winners from other faculties.
You can watch the full ceremony online.
Congratulations to all our graduates and award winners!