Congratulations to the Class of 2005
The University of Prince Edward Island held its 36th Convocation exercises on Saturday, May 14 in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. A record-setting 717 diplomas, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees were awarded during two ceremonies. This year the graduate list included students from 17 different countries, reflecting the increasing number of international students now attending UPEI.
"Convocation is a celebration of student success. For the individual graduate, and for the entire University, this is a celebration of talent, sustained effort, and belief in the importance of learning," said President Wade MacLauchlan. "Just as important, Convocation is a celebration of the fact that UPEI is an excellent university supported by a wonderful community."
The 2005 Honorary Degree recipients were women and men who have demonstrated that strong sense of community commitment. They were: Honourable James Lee, Colin MacDonald, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha, John Joe Sark, and Charles Stewart Scranton who gave the morning address. Mr. Scranton, who is now in his 90th year, has had a life-long career in agriculture. He has served as a director of many agricultural organizations, including the PEI Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Hereford Association. He was also a founder of Camp Segunakadeck, one of the largest Baptist camps in Atlantic Canada.
The afternoon address was delivered by Sister Lauretta White who accepted an honorary degree on behalf of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha. The activities of "The Marthas" have had a powerful and positive influence in PEI. They have participated extensively in higher education at St. Dunstan's University and UPEI, and in primary and secondary education as teachers and administrators. The congregation has also made significant contributions to the welfare of Islanders through its work in health care and child welfare, as well as parish and prison ministry.
Jeffrey David Berkshire of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia was the valedictorian for the morning ceremony. Jeffrey graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The afternoon valedictory was delivered by Deidre Charlotte Kelly of Kingston who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, first-class standing.
This was the first year for graduates of the Bachelor of Education Specializing in Teaching French Immersion. Jennifer C. Albrecht of Tryon and Rachel Charlene Grigg of Northam were the first students to complete the new program which is offered collaboratively with l'Universitand#233; de Moncton. The Family and Nutritional Science department celebrated two firsts; Emily Garrity from Charlottetown and Sophia Wadowska from Bonshaw were the first graduates in the new honours program, while Tasha Ellis of St. Ann's, Anne Lane of Charlottetown, and Melanie Dawn Shea of Tignish were the first to complete a minor in Family Science.
For Don and Judy Gillis of Mermaid it was a very special day. Don Gillis taught engineering at UPEI for 35 years. Their son, Robert James, graduated with a Diploma in Engineering and he plans to continue his studies at Dalhousie in Mechanical Engineering. Robert was the last of the seven Gillis children to graduate from UPEI. They now have five engineers and two medical doctors in the family.
Lara Cusack of Charlottetown was one of a number of exceptional veterinary graduates this year. Lara took her external rotations in BC, Alberta, Australia, and South Africa. Her experience included working with lions and elephants on African wildlife reserves and rehabilitating wildlife in the Australian outback. She is currently raising funds to participate in Envirovet program which takes leaders in environmental health and wildlife conservation and puts them together for eight weeks in the US and South Africa.
It was a bittersweet occasion for the Department of Music as four members of the wind symphony said goodbye to UPEI. Stephanie Cole, trombone, Matthew McCrady, trumpet, Celeste Brink, saxophone, and Angela Mason, flute, have been with the symphony for more than five years. Now they are moving on to apply their outstanding musicianship skills to graduate work and teaching careers.
Many 2005 graduates have made valuable contributions to the growing sense of school spirit that has been especially evident since the opening of the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. Brandy Lee Anne MacLellan of Wellington Centre was one of them. Brandy graduated with a Sociology/Anthropology degree. She also received accolades for her commitment to New Student Orientation, the UPEI Yearbook, and the Student Council.
Convocation Day 2005 captured the considerable pride in accomplishment at UPEI that President Wade MacLauchlan has expressed this way: "Every single graduate represents a story of achievement and of wonderful promise for the future. They can be proud of their UPEI education and of the university they will be attached to for the rest of their lives."
