Crossing the convocation stage is momentous

“This degree is very important to me ... It is as meaningful as anything I’ve ever gotten in my life. And today is one of those incredibly meaningful days,” said Steve Wozniak as he accepted his honorary doctorate from Concordia University at spring convocation.

When the Apple Inc. co-founder took to the podium to address the crowd at Place des Arts, it was clear he spoke straight from the heart. He was not alone in expressing genuine emotion and warmth about this achievement. Speeches by the remaining five honorary doctorate recipients as well as the seven valedictorians were equally inspiring and emotional.

Wozniak was one of six distinguished individuals who received honorary doctorates from Concordia at the ceremonies this spring, held June 20 to 22:

• The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, PC, Supreme Court Chief Justice of Canada
• Rémi Quirion, Vice-Dean, Life Sciences and Strategic Initiatives for McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine
• Corinne Charette, engineer and Chief Information Officer for the Government of Canada
• Monique F. Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Desjardins Group
• Theo Jansen, Dutch sculptor

More than 4,700 students proudly crossed the stage to receive their degrees, formally closing one chapter and embarking on yet another exciting stage of life.

Valedictorian Jean-François Bélanger (BA '11) delivered an address that illustrated the spirit and character of his alma mater. He thanked Concordia for providing him with “a world-class education.”