On Saturday November 19, 2016, the 41st Regis Convocation celebrated the accomplishments of 34 Regis graduates.  Family, friends and many members of the Regis Community filled St. Joseph Chapel to capacity.  The Chancellor of Regis College, represented by acting Provincial, the Reverend J. Winston Rye SJ, admitted the conjoint degrees of Regis College and the University of Toronto. He also conferred the ecclesiastical degrees, and awarded diplomas in various areas of theological and pastoral studies. In his address, he explored the meaning of Jesuit education and wished the graduates well in their future pursuits.

The Chancellor was joined in his good wishes by Professor Sioban Nelson Ph.D. Vice-Provost, Academic Programs and Vice-Provost, Faculty and Academic Life at the University of Toronto. As the representative of the Chancellor of the U of T, she also offered words of inspiration to the graduates.

Intermingled with the speeches and awards were musical performances by the Incontra Vocal Ensemble, conducted by ensemble Director Matthew Otto and Assistant Conductor Sarah Leung. Music by William Byrd, J. Haydn, and in particular, The Haleluya by Srul Irving Glick, sung in Hebrew, perfectly framed this special day of celebration.

Three Honourary Doctorates were awarded at this year’s Convocation. Gustavo Gutierrez Merino received an honorary Doctorate in Divinity. Fr. Gutierrez, is the John Cardinal O’Hara Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. The citation was read in both English and Spanish by Hector Acero Ferrer, current President of the Regis Alumni Association. Mr. Acero Ferrer in his citation noted that Professor Gutierrez is regarded as, “one of the most influential theologians of our time”.

In addition, two very special Honorary Doctorates in Sacred Letters were awarded to Adrienne Pereira, retired Assistant to the President and Wilma Scherloski, Dean of Students. Interim President Joseph Schner SJ, gave the citation for Adrienne and described her dynamism during her almost 40 years of exemplary service to the Jesuits, including 15 years as Assistant to three Regis Presidents (and for two of them, she did this twice).

Wilma’s citation was given by Scott Lewis SJ, Academic Dean at Regis, who described Wilma’s 52 years in education (close to 20 years as Dean of Students at Regis), her tireless hours building a supportive community among students and staff, and in particular her championing of Wilma’s Place, an alternative program in Hamilton she started in 1985 while she was Principal at Cathedral Girl’s High School in Hamilton, that has helped prevent countless at-risk teens from dropping out of high school.

Wilma Scherloski responded on behalf of herself and Adrienne with a Convocation Address that reached out and touched the hearts of everyone. Wilma offered three pearls of wisdom: to nourish yourself; to never give up; and to stick your neck out. She told the graduating class to play, meditate, pray, read and enjoy life; to have the courage to follow their heart; and to take risks as it is often by failing that we can learn and grow. Her parting advice to the graduating students was simple: “Leave the world a better place – a more interesting place for you having been there.”

A reception followed Convocation and cameras flashed as a more relaxed celebration began. Fr. Joseph Schner SJ presided at the Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King in St. Joseph Chapel later in the afternoon.

Special thanks to Dean Scott Lewis SJ and the Convocation Committee: Elaine Chu, Registrar, Wilma Scherloski, Dean of Students, Julie Cachia, Assistant to the President, and Arnel Aquino, Property Manager. Special thanks also to Abigail Kitane, Admissions Assistant, and Rachel Patrick, Assistant to the Property Manager, who were also instrumental in making Convocation a tremendous celebration. Also, thank you to the faculty, staff, at Cathedral Girl’s High School in Hamilton, that has helped prevent countless at-risk teens from dropping out of high school.

Wilma Scherloski responded on behalf of herself and Adrienne with a Convocation Address that reached out and touched the hearts of everyone. Wilma offered three pearls of wisdom: to nourish yourself; to never give up; and to stick your neck out. She told the graduating class to play, meditate, pray, read and enjoy life; to have the courage to follow their heart; and to take risks as it is often by failing that we can learn and grow. Her parting advice to the graduating students was simple: “Leave the world a better place – a more interesting place for you having been there.”

A reception followed Convocation and cameras flashed as a more relaxed celebration began. Fr. Joseph Schner SJ presided at the Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King in St. Joseph Chapel later in the afternoon.

Special thanks to Dean Scott Lewis SJ and the Convocation Committee: Elaine Chu, Registrar, Wilma Scherloski, Dean of Students, Julie Cachia, Assistant to the President, and Arnel Aquino, Property Manager. Special thanks also to Abigail Kitane, Admissions Assistant, and Rachel Patrick, Assistant to the Property Manager, who were also instrumental in making Convocation a tremendous celebration. Also, thank you to the faculty, staff, alumni/ae and volunteers who helped make the day so special. To our graduating students, we wish them all the best in their new journey.