A Moving Moment: Highlights from Our Graduation Ceremony
On May 16 and 17, LaSalle College proudly celebrated the achievements of its graduating students during the official graduation ceremony, held in the majestic Pavillon du Grand Quai du Port de Montréal. Overlooking the Fleuve Saint-Laurent and offering a breathtaking view of the Old Port, this iconic venue provided the perfect setting for a day filled with emotion, recognition, and accomplishment.
Students, faculty, families, and friends gathered to mark the end of an academic journey, but above all, to celebrate the beginning of a new adventure for which our graduates have been preparing over the past few years. With inspiring speeches, diploma presentations, scholarship announcements, and heartfelt embraces, the ceremony concluded with a beloved tradition: the iconic cap toss.
Among the many memorable moments, two powerful testimonials perfectly captured the spirit of the day:
“Émile came to stand beside me, and that’s when I started shaking. A minute later, they announced my name. I couldn’t hold back the emotion, but there was Émile, giving me the warmest and most heartfelt hug I’ve received in a long time.”
— Felipe Cordero, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning graduate
On May 16th, I graduated. I was close to not attending, but the day before, I received a call from my now great friend, Émile Trottier-Dufour, Student Life Advisor. He asked for my family’s names and told me they would have a special place at the ceremony. And for me, many surprises—but ones he couldn’t reveal yet.
The day arrived, and from the very beginning, my family and I were surrounded by such warmth and affection. Émile arranged a special spot for them and treated them as if they were part of his own family. Elisa Schaeffer, Dean of Technology, was also kind and thoughtful, making sure my family felt welcomed and well cared for.
Then, after a few moments, Alban Baldacchino, from Air Canada began to speak about an academic excellence scholarship. Seconds later, Émile came to stand beside me, and that’s when I started shaking. A minute later, they announced my name. I couldn’t hold back the emotion, but there was Émile, giving me the warmest and most heartfelt hug I’ve received in a long time. "You deserve it, my friend!" he said.
The emotion was overwhelming. I cried as I shared a few words with those present. This journey has been anything but easy. Two years ago, leaving my country and immigrating to Canada with my family was one of the most difficult things we’ve ever done. But it’s also here that I’ve realized more than ever that God’s kindness has always been with me and my loved ones.
Afterward, there were more hugs and kind words. Thank you, LaSalle College and Air Canada, for this recognition. Thank you to my friends and classmates. To my wife and children, who deserve this recognition even more than I do. Thank you, Lyne Tremblay, Associate Director, for your warm hug and for being as moved as I was by this achievement. Thank you, Adib Lahlou, and to so many others who have been part of this journey.
“I got ready early in the morning, and as the ceremony approached, I felt a mix of emotions: happiness for completing my program, pride in studying in another language, and nostalgia from being far from my family.”
— Juliana Garzon, Business Management graduate
After two years of studying at LaSalle College, graduation day finally arrived. The sun was shining, and the weather was perfect for a celebration. I got ready early in the morning, and as the ceremony approached, I felt a mix of emotions: happiness for completing my program, pride in studying in another language, and nostalgia from being far from my family.
The ceremony took place in the Old Port, and the location looked amazing. The students and their families were all dressed up, which made the atmosphere even more special. After a few words of advice, we were ready, and the ceremony began. Everything happened so quickly, and the mood was joyful and light.
After the ceremony, we moved to the bar area. It was a fantastic moment — we enjoyed drinks on the terrace and had the chance to meet our friends’ families. The atmosphere and the beautiful weather made it perfect for taking pictures and creating lasting memories.
Seeing my classmates again helped me realize that this chapter is ending. Looking back on my time at the College, I can say that even though it was sometimes challenging, most of the time was filled with great moments. Teachers and friends supported me and helped make this experience truly special.
This ceremony marked the end of a defining chapter in our graduates’ lives — but above all, it celebrated their perseverance, dedication, and passion.
LaSalle College is proud to welcome them into our global network of nearly 38,000 alumni, ready to shine in their respective fields.
Congratulations to all! Your future starts now.
