CREDIT: KONSTANTINOS DROSSOS
From June 13 to 15, Fanshawe celebrated its graduates at Budweiser Gardens.

From June 13 to 15, Fanshawe celebrated its second graduation ceremony in the Budweiser Gardens. Speakers at the ceremony on June 15 included second vice-chair of Fanshawe’s Board of Governors Michael Geraghty, Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) president Stephin Sathya, and Fanshawe president Peter Devlin.

“Today is a time to celebrate and be proud of everyone’s achievements and determination,” Devlin said. “I want everybody to know that schooling is a team effort and arriving at this point requires the support of family and friends.”

According to Sathya, nearly 9,000 graduates crossed the stage during six ceremonies.  He said that this was graduation with the most students Fanshawe has ever had.


“This is a time to celebrate everyone’s capacity to achieve and overcome things in life,” Sathya said. “This is the moment every student has been waiting for and worked so hard.”

Geraghty said the students who graduated are now part of a global network of Fanshawe representatives working to contribute to their communities around the corner and across the globe.

Lucas Argier, a Fanshawe graduate, said that this event means everything to him.

“It was very challenging because when I started my program, COVID was starting as well. It got to a point where my program had to switch to online classes,” Argier said. “I was worried because my program had a lot of practice and fieldwork, but with the pandemic, I did not know if I would ever get that experience needed in the industry.”

He stated that those uncertain times were some of the most stressful times in his life.

“We had to fight restrictions and other challenges to achieve good quality work that would help us to fill our professional careers and portfolios,” Argier said.

Devlin said that he admires the graduates’ resilience because, even in bad times, they can control the challenges, adapt and overcome them.

“The impact this career would have in my life is immensely great, and I am grateful,” Argier said. “Now, at this point in my professional career and life, I feel that more than challenges, I have rewards and satisfactions.”

Sathya said that every action and effort has its consequences and effects. He inspired students and future generations to keep pushing forward no matter the circumstances because, in the end, every little step will be worth it.

“If you dont ask, you will not receive; if you dont seek, you will not find. When an opportunity comes, be ready and take it in with arms wide open,” Sathya said.