OTTAWA, Wednesday, June 29, 2023 – On Monday, June 19, professors, graduates and their families gathered in the De Mazenod Chapel to celebrate the Class of 2023.

In two separate ceremonies – one held in the morning and one in the afternoon – the University celebrated 309 new graduates.

Our graduates have enriched our university community with their diverse talents, passions and perspectives. It is now time for them to share their gifts to create the deep, positive change that is so needed in our world,” said Chantal Beauvais, Rector of SPU. “It has been wonderful to witness the development of their potential and I wish them all the best as they open this new chapter of their lives. Congratulations graduates of 2023!

Chantal Beauvais

Rector of SPU

A Rocking Start to the Celebration

As in previous years, the ceremony began with a performance of the national anthem. However, this year’s rendition is one to remember.

Singer Cecilia Zhang was accompanied by Alex Paradis on electric guitar. The opening notes of O Canada certainly surprised the attendees, but the performance was followed by enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Zhang is pursuing an M.A. in Theology and Paradis graduated with a B.A. in Human Relations and Spirituality during the afternoon ceremony.

Foundations for Tackling Life’s Challenges

During the morning ceremony, Sarah Hope — a graduate of the B.A. is Social Communication —highlighted how the University provided each graduate with a foundation to take on the challenges their future holds.

I understand how frustrating it may seem when trying to create change in a world of chaos but it is important to remember that you can achieve great things,” said Hope in her farewell speech. “Saint Paul University showed us that community and collaboration are two elements that make us better, stronger.

Sarah Hope

Graduate of the B.A. in Social Communication

Caitlin Sigg — who completed her PhD in Counselling and Spirituality — echoed this sentiment in the afternoon ceremony, saying:

I encourage you to leave with intention, curiosity, faith in yourself, as well as a renewed sense of your life’s objective,” said Sigg to her peers. “As we venture out armed with our degrees, I would kindly remind you, members of this graduating class and all assembled here, to hold close to your heart that your journey may be hard but by cultivating hope, finding meaning and establishing a sense of purpose in our lives, we can build a foundation for a successful future.

Caitlin Sigg

PhD in Counselling and Spirituality

The Governor General Academic Medals

Each year, Saint Paul University awards two graduates with the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal and Gold Medal. These medals are awarded to the students who achieve the highest academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level, respectively.
Marsha Masseau, who completed the Honours B.A. in Social Communication, is the recipient of the Silver Medal.

The recipient of the Gold Medal is Sylvain Maurais, a graduate of the M.A. in Theology.

Congratulations to all of our graduates!