The date for Convocation 2020 was set almost a year in advance, per tradition and in order to allow sufficient planning time. But when the calendar hit Monday, May 4, almost everything at Dio had undergone rapid and radical change. Having a large— or even modestly-sized—gathering was impossible.
Still, Dio decided to hold Convocation that day and, thanks to the right combination of ceremony, technology, creativity, and levity, it was a very special occasion. While it was impossible to gather
together in person, the online event allowed for the participation of about 100 people from Canada and the U.S. Most had their cameras on and enjoyed the opportunity to show their joy and pride.
A few days before the service, the president of the college, Bishop Mary Irwin-Gibson of Montreal, visited graduating students Jeffrey Mackie-Deernsted and Susan Searle at their homes to confer their degrees and diplomas—using a crozier to ensure that the two metre distance was respected. She also agreed to be recorded performing a version of the college hymn that received kudos for its originality! The ceremony was enriched by this video content, along with recordings of hymns performed by Dio music director Jonathan White and photos from the year.
In addition to the graduating students shown on the facing page, the college recognized Education for Ministry graduates and winners of prizes and awards. The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, primate of theAnglican Church of Canada, offered the Convocation address, a penetrating reflection on our changing society and the role of a changing church within it, informed by Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes, the reading for the evening.
https://www.facebook.com/MontrealDio/posts/3155689184475546
At the end of the service, guests were invited to stay for an online reception, rotating through virtual “rooms” to congratulate each of the graduates. Highlights of the ceremony can be found on Dio’s Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/MontrealDio/posts/3148874998490298
Dio Awards
- The Lionel Temple-Hill Prize: Laura Quiroga
- The Frank and Jocelyne Toope Memorial Bursary: Alex Griffin and Bram Kranichfeld
- The Robert Reford Prize: Peter Lekx
- The Alys L.G. Slater Memorial Bequest: Jon Jameson
- The Bancroft Prize: Jon Jameson
- The Rev. Canon Dr. Lettie James Prize: Linda Moore
- The Lachlan Gibb Award: Tevfik Karatop
- The Canon Mark Beaufoy Award: Jeffrey Mackie-Deernsted
- The Gault Award: Susan Searle
- The Special College Prize for Liturgical Leadership in a Time of Pandemic: Ben Stuchbery
- The Bishop Russel Brown Award: Fresia Saborio
This article is part of our 2019-2020 Year in Review publication. If you would like a printed copy, drop us a line at [email protected].