UPEI Convocation 2016
Please note: an earlier version of this news release listed Kyle Dutton as the winner of the Governor General's Silver Medal (undergraduate level). The actual winner is Megan George. Mr. Dutton received the H. Wade MacLauchlan Raised Expectations Award. Our apologies to both graduates.
The University of Prince Edward Island conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates to more than 940 graduates today as part of Convocation 2016. This cohort includes the first international graduates—23 in total—from the new global perspectives cohort of the UPEI Master of Education (MEd) in Leadership in Learning program. The graduates began their journeys in China when they signed onto an English Academic Preparation program with a Chinese agent. After completing language and academic preparation in either Cape Breton or Toronto, they made UPEI and PEI their home.
The families and friends of the Class of 2016 gathered for two ceremonies today in UPEI’s 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. “Although you have worked very hard to gain your education, it is not yours alone,” said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz. “Your knowledge is to be shared and harnessed for the benefit of our community—recognizing, of course, that our community is global. Share your knowledge humbly and respectfully. Higher learning and knowledge is not meant to set us apart—it is meant to bring us together.”
The University also conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to three worthy recipients: Dr. Katherine Bick, a pioneer in the field of neurobiology and the study of Alzheimer’s Disease; Dr. William Stanish, athlete, educator, researcher, and a leader in the area of orthopaedic surgery; and, Mr. Ray Murphy, pharmacist, entrepreneur, and community builder. Dr. Stanish addressed the morning convocation ceremony; Mr. Murphy spoke in the afternoon.
“Do not forget this wonderful place,” said Dr. Stanish. “This garden of the gulf, the birthplace of scholars, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Do not forget the friends you have gathered around you, wept with, and shared many fun times over the last four years. Do not forget your lessons about living life with passion and purpose—principals that will stand you in good stead forever..”
Megan Larkin of Cavendish, who graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, was valedictorian of the morning convocation ceremony. Tatye Willows of Halifax, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Science, addressed the afternoon convocation.
Chancellor McDougall conferred the title of Professor Emerita to two esteemed members of the UPEI Faculty: Dr. Martha Gabriel (Education) and Dr. Donna J. Giberson (Biology).
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 Prince Edward Island. The Governor General’s Gold Medal (graduate level) was awarded to Dr. Maria Forzan (AVC, Pathology and Microbiology). The Governor General’s Silver Medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Megan George.
