On Saturday, May 24th, the entire faculty of Redeemer University College stood outside the university buildings to greet and bid farewell to the graduating class of 2008. Dressed in long, flowing robes and medieval caps, the brightly-coloured academic regalia from their graduate universities, they gave encouraging words and high-fives to students as they made their way to the graduation ceremony.

Seven former OLSWA students received their degrees: Elizabeth O’Brien, Honours B.A. in English with distinction, Margaret Beresford, Honours B.A. in English, Theresa Merrick, Honours B.A. in English with distinction, Michael Doyle, Honours B.A. in English with distinction,  Frances Platt, B.A. in Humanities, B.Ed. with distinction, Elaina Mazzarolo, B.A. in English, James Mombourquette, B.A. in English, B.Ed., and in absentia, Daniel Millette, B.A. in Philosophy with distinction.

This year marks the second year in a transfer agreement between Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy and Redeemer University College, a Christian Reformed private university in Ancaster, Ontario. So far, over twelve Academy students have studied and received degrees at Redeemer, and approximately 2 dozen more are expected to attend in the fall of 2008.

Over the past two years, results of the agreement between the two schools have been highly promising. Academy students have received special commendation for being avid and engaging students, willing to debate and discuss with professors and fellow-students both inside and outside of class. Several have won the top mark-based scholarships offered by the university as well as bursaries and other funding. Professors have commented with appreciation on how OLSWA students bring a fresh faith-perspective to their classes. Academy transfer students said that they felt warmly welcomed by the University and found the final year or two at Redeemer to be a wonderful way to conclude their Liberal Arts education.

OLSWA alumni, James Mombourquette, Elizabeth O'Brien, Margaret Beresford, Theresa Merrick, Frances Platt, Michael Doyle and Elaina Mazzarolo with Redeemer President Dr. Justin Cooper (far right)and Redeemer Academic Vice President Dr. Jacob Ellens (far left), and OLSWA Founding Director Mr. John Paul Meenan (center) and OLSWA Academic Dean Mr. Scott Nicholson (2nd from right).