UPEI Convocation 2015: More than 940 cross the stage, including UPEI’s first Kinesiology grads and two PhDs in Education
A complete list of morning graduates and afternoon graduates are available online. Eastlink TV will rebroadcast the morning ceremony on Saturday, May 16 at 10 am. The afternoon ceremony will be rebroadcast at 2:30 pm.
The University of Prince Edward Island conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates to more than 940 graduates today, as part of Convocation 2015. Among them were the first graduating students from UPEI's Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) program, and the first two PhDs from the Faculty of Education.
The families and friends of the Class of 2015 gathered for two ceremonies today in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, the first at 10:00 am, and the second at 2:30 pm.
UPEI Chancellor Don McDougall led both ceremonies; President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alaa Abd-El Aziz addressed both ceremonies with words of celebration and welcome.
'As a community, we are proud of your commitment to your studies and your achievements,' said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz. 'In the spirit of community, we humbly acknowledge that you have not come to this point on your own. Look around and find your family, friends, teachers, and mentors who have encouraged and supported you along your journey. On behalf of the UPEI community, including more than 23,000 alumni around the world, congratulations.'
The University also conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to four recipients: The Honourable Catherine Callbeck, senator and former premier; Lennie Gallant, a multiple award-winning singer-songwriter; Patricia Mella, a former MLA, leader of the Official Opposition, and Provincial Treasurer; and, Father Charlie Cheverie, beloved pastor, member of the Queens County Fiddlers, retired professor, and former UPEI chaplain. Callbeck addressed the morning convocation ceremony; Mella spoke in the afternoon.
'Don't be a bystander,' advised Callbeck to the morning convocation. She then spoke words that she first uttered in 1974 at her first political nomination meeting: 'The strength of our society rests on the willingness and the ability of its citizens to share in the decisions which affect it.
Mella, speaking to the afternoon ceremony, welcomed the graduates into a group of alumni from UPEI and its predecessor institutions: Prince of Wales College and St. Dunstan's University. 'You are joining men and women who live and work in all corners of the globe. You will be our ambassadors; you are our marketing team. Be proud of your own accomplishments, and be proud of your alma mater.
Ryan McCarvill of Kensington, who graduated with his Bachelor of Business Administration, was valedictorian of the morning convocation ceremony. Derrick Biso of Charlottetown, who earned his Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), addressed the afternoon convocation.
UPEI held its annual Senior Class Awards at a ceremony the day before, where a number of academic and student prizes were awarded. The complete list will be posted in the coming days at upei.ca/seniorclassawards. The Governor General's Academic Medals were presented during convocation ceremonies by the Honourable H. Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of PEI. The Governor General's Gold Medal (graduate level) was awarded to Brittany Jakubiec, who graduated with her Masters of Education. The Governor General's Silver Medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Michelle Trenholme, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Best wishes to all graduates!
