Media Advisory - Governor General will receive an honorary degree from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston

OTTAWA, ON, May 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, will be awarded a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), in Kingston, Ontario.

From May 16 to 17, Governor General Simon will participate in RMC graduation activities, including the convocation ceremony and the commissioning parade. She will also meet with students in the Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year (ILOY) program, a year-long educational and leadership experience at RMC.

As commander-in-chief, Her Excellency holds an important role in recognizing the Canadian military's essential contributions to our country, and in honouring the accomplishments of Canadian Armed Forces members.

Itinerary:
Note: Times are indicated in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Kingston, Ontario

Thursday, May 16

11 a.m.
Inspection of the guard of honour
The Governor General will arrive at RMC, where she will inspect a special formation of 100 naval and officer cadets, known as a guard of honour. Following the inspection, she will be greeted by Dr. Jill Scott, Principal of RMC; Brigadier-General Pascal Godbout, Commandant of RMC; and Chief Warrant Officer Lucie Alain, College Chief Warrant Officer.
RMC, Parade Square
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contacts: Captain Jonathan Farlam, Public Affairs Officer, RMC, 613-541-6000 Ext 6484, [email protected] 

12:45 p.m. 
129^th RMC Convocation Ceremony
The Governor General will receive her honorary Doctor of Laws degree and then deliver the convocation address, providing students with her insights, knowledge and encouragement. During the ceremony, she will also present two academic medals: the Governor General's Silver Medal, awarded to the student with the highest overall average in an undergraduate program; and the Governor General's Gold Medal, awarded to the graduating student who achieves the highest academic standing in a master's or doctoral degree program.
Anderson Field House, Kingston Military Community Sports Centre 
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contacts: Captain Jonathan Farlam, Public Affairs Officer, RMC, 613-541-6000 Ext 6484, [email protected] 

Kingston, Ontario

Friday, May 17

10 a.m.
Commissioning parade and march through the Memorial Arch
The Governor General will hand out commissioning scripts to the top 15 graduates. The scripts acknowledge the student's achievements and mark their entry into the Canadian Armed Forces as an officer. After the parade, the graduates will pass under the Memorial Arch, symbolizing the conclusion of their journey within the Regular Officer Training Plan at RMC. During this event, the Governor General will wear the uniform of the Royal Canadian Navy.
RMC, Parade Square
OPEN TO MEDIA
Media Contacts: Captain Jonathan Farlam, Public Affairs Officer, RMC, 613-541-6000 Ext 6484, [email protected]

12:05 p.m.
Meeting with Indigenous Leadership Opportunity Year (ILOY) students
The Governor General will meet with students participating in the ILOY program to discuss and learn about their experiences in this unique program.
Learn more about the Indigenous Leadership Program Opportunity (ILOY)
RMC, Teepee
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ONLY

Notes for media

• Members of the media must confirm their attendance at select events with the media contacts listed above.
• Photos of the visit can be provided to media upon request via [email protected].

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada

Media information: Rideau Hall Press Office, [email protected]