
LONDON, Ont. — Graduates from Fanshawe College’s Faculty of Business, Information Technology and Part-Time Studies gathered Tuesday at Canada Life Place to celebrate their achievements.
The ceremony featured graduates in vibrant red gowns, eagerly awaiting the conferral of their sashes.
Dr. Dev R. Sainani, associate dean of the Institute of Technology at Fanshawe College, addressed the audience.
“Let’s take a moment to recognize not only the graduates, but also the friends, family, faculty and mentors who supported and encouraged you through this journey,” said Sainani. “Today, we celebrate you.”
College president Peter Devlin introduced an unconventional speaker — Pepper, an artificial intelligence robot — to address the class.
“I’m speaking to you now, but first, I am a robot,” said Pepper. “I’m going to review 1,375 communication speeches. Yours, as a developing, is statistically above average.
“I’ll take that number,” Devlin responded. “But let’s be honest — no algorithm can measure what you graduates have accomplished. The creativity, the challenges overcome, the breakthroughs — they can’t be downloaded or duplicated.”
Pepper continued, “Correct. No data can predict the heart, the resilience, the ambition of this graduating class. I am still processing. Let’s just say the future is in good hands — human hands. Though it’s nice to know the robots are cheering, too.”
Fanshawe Student Union president Jerry Thomas also shared words of encouragement during the ceremony.
“One thing never changes,” he said. “And now, here we are, looking back at everything we’ve done. We’ve spent hours at work. Tears have turned into comfort. Though we may never turn back, even when no one understood, there was always someone there — a friend, a professor, even a simple nod of the head.”
He added: “Today, we stand not just as individuals, but as a family — shaped by every moment, every challenge and every lesson. Not just from textbooks, but from each other. This is the strength of our batch.”
Local entrepreneur and founder of rTraction, David Billson, was awarded an honorary diploma for his contributions to Fanshawe and the London community.
“Remember the legacy that you began,” said Billson. “As you continue that legacy, I encourage you to remember your values and your principles. It’s not always easy — especially in a routine world — but it’s always right. And sometimes, it’s all that matters.”
He encouraged graduates to give back: “You can have everything in life if you help other people get what they want. Ask yourself: how are you building others into your community?”
Billson concluded on a light note, referencing his Star Wars-themed attire: “You may not have a power tie like my Star Wars one, but you have something better — a Fanshawe education, with a legacy of proven excellence.”
Fanshawe College will continue convocation ceremonies for other faculties throughout the week at Canada Life Place.