On October 30, 2024, hundreds of Bloomberg Nursing graduates celebrated their academic and professional achievements at the Faculty’s pre-convocation reception in Hart House’s historic Great Hall.
Recipients of the prestigious Dean’s Medals, an award given out to students with the highest academic achievement in their respective program or stream, received special recognition alongside Canada’s first-ever cohort of Doctor of Nursing graduates from Bloomberg Nursing.
Former Dean of Nursing and Professor Emerita Gail Donner, and former CEO of AMS Healthcare Gail Paech, gave a keynote address to new graduates and their families highlighting the collective nature of the nursing profession including the importance of giving back and supporting future generations of nurse leaders.
“This coming together of the entire Bloomberg Nursing community, is a reflection of the tight-knit cohorts that are formed during a student’s time in their program and the long-lasting connections they maintain with their peers and to the Faculty,” said Robyn Stremler, Dean of the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing.
GNSS President addresses graduating class
This year, in recognition of this culture of connectivity, the pre-convocation reception also included a new opportunity for a graduate to address their peers with a speech.
Kimberly Villacorta, a two-time graduate of Bloomberg Nursing who recently completed the Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner program and served as president of the Graduate Nurses’ Student Society (GNSS), reflected on the significance of addressing her peers and participating in convocation as a new graduate.
“Convocation is not just a personal achievement – it is a milestone event that demonstrates the power of community support, not only from your cohort but your family and loved ones,” Villacorta shared. “It is a testament to the late nights, clinical challenges, personal sacrifices, research and collaboration that have helped each of us grow as practitioners, clinicians, and individuals.”
Staying connected builds a network of alumni
In her speech Villacorta emphasized the rapidly changing world of healthcare and urged new graduates to embrace uncertainty by being agents of change. She highlighted the value of the Bloomberg Nursing alumni network, which extends beyond the campus grounds and across partner hospitals and health organizations.
Leaning on alumni and peers for support and mentorship is something that Villacorta recommended as a way to maintain a positive and growth-centric mindset throughout their nursing career, and she thanked those alumni who supported her on her journey.
“Convocation is a celebration of our academic achievements, while recognizing the bonds we have created with one another and the leadership skills we have developed,” said Villacorta. “I have no doubt that together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact in our respective fields and uplift the nursing profession.”
Convocation marks beginning of a graduate’s journey as a Bloomberg Nursing alumnus. Stay connected and learn how you can make an impact on future nurses, through our many volunteer opportunities, including our Golden Notes Program. Visit our Alumni Hub or contact Jade Shortte, Alumni Relations Officer jade.shortte@utoronto.ca for more information.