OCAD University’s first virtual convocation on Friday, June 12, 2020, honoured its graduating students with the university’s top accolade ̶ the OCAD U medal. The class of 2020 has shown remarkable resilience and commitment in completing their studies during these challenging times.
The highest achieving students in each of the university’s undergraduate programs are chosen by a faculty jury and are acknowledged as ambassadors for each of their respective programs. Meet the class of 2020 medals here.
In addition, the convocation ceremonies will include the presentation of Governor General’s Academic Medals to two Class of 2020 students. The awards are given annually to the undergraduate and graduate students who achieved the highest academic standing.
The silver medal was presented to Rebecca Wilkinson, Bachelor of Design, Graphic Design and Craig Rodmore, Master of Design, Interdisciplinary Art, Media & Design, received the gold medal.
The ceremony included video messages from each of this year’s four honorary degree recipients: The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, visual artist and curator Jim Logan, award-winning video director Julien Christian Lutz (known as Director X) and internationally recognized surgeon, OCAD U alumnus and past OCAD U Board Chair Dr. John Semple.
The 2020 medal winners are:
Valérie Frappier, Criticism and Curatorial Practice
Pui Yee Nikkie To, Inclusive Design grad program
Sing Yu Lam, Industrial Design
Samantha Matters, Strategic Foresight and Innovation graduate program
Maria Yala, Digital Futures graduate program
Emily Cadotte, Contemporary Art, Design and New Media Art Histories graduate program
Inbal Newman, Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design graduate program
Maryam Mallakin, Design for Health graduate program
Isabel Diana Campos Bedard, Printmaking
Ana Luisa Bernardez Notz, Photography
Natalie Le Huenen, Digital Futures
Giuliana Costanzo, Environmental Design
Daniela Nowotarska, Visual and Critical Studies
Kaylyn Hamlyn, Criticism & Curatorial Practice
Darian Ghaznavi, Advertising
Emi Takahashi, Graphic Design
Kasra Goodarznezhad, Integrated Media
Cleo Peterson, Cross-Disciplinary Art
Kaya Dacosta, Indigenous Visual Culture
Mohammad Tabesh, Sculpture/Installation
Tania Costa, Drawing & Painting
Madeleine Leblanc, Material Art & Design
Lilian Sim, Illustration
For more details about the ceremony, please visit the OCAD U website.