Congratulations to the Class of 2006
The University of Prince Edward Island held its 37th Convocation exercises on Saturday, May 13 in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Over 780 diplomas, certificates, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees were awarded during two ceremonies.
"Our graduating students have worked hard to arrive at this day, and they have good reason to celebrate, along with their families, friends, and the many members of the UPEI family who have played an integral role in their growth and success," said President Wade MacLauchlan. "There is a very special sense of community between the graduating students and the many dedicated people who have worked with them, as teachers, advisors, mentors, supporters and friends to achieve this great moment in their lives."
The Marshal for both ceremonies was Marva Sweeney-Nixon. The Honorary Marshals in the morning were Gordon Ellis, PWC'69, and Bruce Garrity, SDU'66. The Mace Bearer was Mellissa Yuen, Class of 2006. In the afternoon, the Honorary Marshals were Arleen Harris, PWC'62, and Gordon Whitlock, SDU'66. The Mace Bearer was Shaun Coady, Class of 2006. The Governor General's Medals were awarded to Dianne McFarlane and Trenna Adams.
A record number of postgraduate degrees were conferred this year, reflecting the recent growth in master's programs at UPEI. Ryan Boulter of Victoria and Janice MacKendrick-Muir of Charlottetown were the first graduates of the new Master of Arts in Island Studies program, and Beverly Carol Gerg of Charlottetown received UPEI's first Master of Applied Health Services Research degree. Over 70 students graduated with a Master of Education, 19 of them from Alberta where the UPEI Faculty of Education has delivered innovative new distance programs. Another area that saw a significant increase was the Family and Nutritional Sciences undergraduate program. The number of graduates more than doubled this year.
The University conferred honorary degrees on five individuals whose exceptional professional and community achievements have made them inspiring role models for new graduates. They were: Alice Patterson (Pat) Webster, Suzanne Land#233;vesque, David Wallace Rodd, Joseph Fenwick (Fen) Watkin, and Elaine Campbell. Pat Webster, founding president of Canadian Parents for French, gave the morning convocation address. The afternoon address was delivered by Elaine Campbell, one of the co-creators of "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical."
Norman Webster, former UPEI Chancellor, was honoured during the ceremonies. In recognition of his outstanding service from 1996 to 2005, and his ongoing commitment to the University, he received the distinguished title of Chancellor Emeritus.
The valedictorian for the morning convocation was Cynthia Lynn Collins of Alaska who graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. "In school, we have learned to compare ourselves rigorously to each other, to a bell curve, to a class average, to a national percentile. Today we graduate from this mentality," she told her fellow graduates. "Instead, we will be assessed by the words we choose and the actions we take. Whatever you perceive your achievements and abilities to be, there are people for which your encouragement, your acceptance, and your style of communication will be very valuable. The things you say and do are an important example. We are all leaders. Let's choose to encourage. Let's choose to accept. Let's choose to communicate. Today we leave as equals. Success is now a choice we make every day."
Arts graduate Peter Richard Fraser of Kilmuir, PEI gave the valedictory address at the afternoon ceremony. He challenged students to look inside themselves and ask how they can positively influence society.
"Your actions will help ensure that future generations also have the opportunity to benefit from the type of experience we have enjoyed at UPEI," he said. "Never forget that the most powerful form of human existence is not one that involves material possessions; it is living a life where you genuinely affect the lives of those you meet. Every day we create who we are by what we do, what we think and how we behave. Use the education UPEI has afforded you as the foundation from which you can continue to acquire the knowledge you need to live your best life."
Convocation day represented the end of an era for the Read family of New Haven whose members have been involved with UPEI for over 35 years. Mike Read, as Associate Registrar, has been a popular mentor to many generations of new students. After 25 years on staff, he is now retiring. Mike and his wife Ellen, both UPEI alumni, celebrated the graduation of their son Geordon who received his BBA and their son Tyler who received his BA in Political Studies. Their remaining son Brodie previously of graduated from UPEI in Religious Studies.
As always, it was a day filled with mixed emotions, as graduates celebrated their accomplishments, looked back at the challenges and joys they had experienced as students, and looked forward to their new lives ahead. Valedictorian Cynthia Collins expressed it this way:
"The rigors of our degrees and diplomas are behind us: all of the lectures, the endless hours of studying, and examination after examination. Now, it is our great privilege to begin pursuing rewarding careers," she said. "We all have abilities that we don't yet understand. Trust the choices you have made. Respect what you have accomplished. Be patient and work hard. We will get where we want to go. We will achieve the things we want to achieve. We have already started. To the University of Prince Edward Island, my classmates at the Atlantic Veterinary College, and to the entire Class of 2006: thank you and congratulations."
