SWC graduates, faculty and special guests, H.E. Papal Nuncio Luigi Bonazzi and Dr. Randy Boyagoda, Principal and Vice-President of the University of St. Michael’s College – April 28, 2018 (Photo: Timothy Baklinski)
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (SWC) in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, celebrated Graduation and Commencement on April 28, 2018. This year marked the largest graduating class in the college’s history, with nearly 40 students receiving degrees. His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Luigi Bonazzi, was the main celebrant at the commencement Mass and read excerpts from a letter addressed to the SWC community from His Holiness, Pope Francis in Rome.
The commencement address was given by Dr. Randy Boyagoda, Principal and Vice-President of the University of St. Michael’s College.
Emma White (SWC ‘18) receives the holy card from the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Luigi Bonazzi, April 28, 2018 (Photo: Timothy Baklinski)
The graduation weekend was marked with:
- sighs of relief as students finished their exams
- celebration for the degrees they earned, and
- tearful goodbyes as many students say goodbye to Barry’s Bay and SWC. Many leave to pursue further studies, to work, to travel, and to return to their hometowns.
With students hailing from Alaska, Pennsylvania, Alberta, Ohio and many places in between, families travelled from far and wide to celebrate with their new graduates. Every room in the local hotels was booked, as around 70 families and visiting guests found lodging in and around the village of Barry’s Bay.
SWC graduates and students with their certificates (Photo: Timothy Baklinski)
The campus at Seat of Wisdom College is newly quiet following the exodus of all the students and the preparations have already begun for the next school year. New faculty and staff are moving in, buildings and grounds are being renovated and groomed following the long winter, and the SWC community is spending the summer preparing for the new crop of students who will arrive this coming September. Barry’s Bay now settles in to enjoy warmer weather and the coming tourist season, while all wish the new SWC graduates the best in their future endeavours.
Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College graduating class of 2018 (Photo: Timothy Baklinski)
