The 2019 graduating class of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College (SWC) in Barry’s Bay braved icy weather, gusty winds and a few snow flurries to celebrate the end of their SWC careers. Thirty-six students received a Bachelor of Catholic Studies (three-year) degree on April 27 at St. Hedwig’s Church. Thirty students were awarded the Associate Certificate of Christian Humanities (a two-year program), while fourteen students received the Basic Certificate of Christian Humanities.
The Most Reverend Michael Mulhall, Archbishop-Elect of the Archdiocese of Kingston, was the main celebrant at a Mass offered for the Graduates. In his homily, Archbishop-Elect Mulhall advised the graduates to be prepared to defend their beliefs in the wider world, but always with gentleness and reverence. SWC students from the Ecclesiastical Schola choir under the direction of SWC music professor Dr. Richard Heinzle sang during the Mass. The congregation included families from as far away as Alaska and Nebraska.
The Most Reverend Michael Mulhall; Dr. Keith Cassidy and Ruth Savidge, St. John Paul II Award; Lincoln Tesluk, valedictorian
In his welcome address, SWC President Dr. Keith Cassidy formally announced his retirement. Later during the commencement, Dr. Christine Schintgen expressed the gratitude of the SWC community for Dr. Cassidy’s many years of work and conferred upon him the honour of Professor Emeritus with effect from July 1, 2019. She said there would be a Gala in July to mark Dr. Cassidy’s retirement. The Commencement Address was given by Dr. John Gay who, after a career in medicine, is now CEO for Justin Press, a Canadian Catholic publishing house, and Chairman of the Board for the Ottawa Chesterton Academy.
Dr. Cassidy presented nearly twenty Scholarships and Awards, congratulating the students for their hard work and thanking sponsors for their generosity. Thirteen additional bursary awards were provided privately to students in need of financial assistance to further their studies. The St. John Paul II Award for highest cumulative average among students was given to Ruth Savidge whose brief address discussed whether liberal arts studies were impractical. This year’s valedictorian was Lincoln Tesluk who spoke about the student experience at SWC. Tesluk advised undergraduates to take full advantage of what the College offers. On behalf of the graduating class he thanked SWC staff and faculty, wished Dr. and Mrs. Cassidy well in their retirement, and acknowledged departing staff members Meaghan Dessailly and Courtney Cullen. Tesluk said that the true measure of success is not exam marks the students received at SWC, but rather the way they live their lives. He recalled instances from the past three years that evoked laughter and applause from the graduates. The commencement event ended with formal photos and a reception in St. Hedwig’s Hall.
Congratulations to the graduates