Volunteering at convocation gave Danielle Handsor another perspective on the event.

“It was a very rewarding experience,” says the three-time UWindsor grad (BHK 2006, B.Ed 2007, M.Ed 2011). “It was great to interact with our graduates and I learned a lot about the planning and the logistics that go into convocation. It was nice to be behind the scenes.”

Handsor, who works in the Educational Development Centre, was one of a number of University staff helping with the graduation ceremony through the Volunteer at Convocation program.

During her first volunteer experience at Thursday morning’s session, she helped organize graduands as they prepared to cross the stage.

“I enjoyed being part of the celebration,” she says. “I definitely want to volunteer again.”

It’s a feeling shared by Roger Lauzon. Now retired as executive director of Information Technology Services, he is a long-time volunteer, seating graduands and their guests. He says convocation is one of the nicest days of the year for the UWindsor community.

“It is definitely one of the best things about being associated with the University of Windsor,” says Lauzon. “It's just a great day for everyone and volunteering gives me a chance to help (retiring University Registrar) Greg Marcotte.”

A reminder: Marcotte’s colleagues and friends are invited to celebrate his retirement at an open house reception Wednesday, June 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Katzman Lounge, Vanier Hall. He will retire at the end of June after more than eight years at the University of Windsor, and 40 years of service at four universities and the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.