UPEI holds largest-ever Convocation on May 10

Proud parents, families and friends filled the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre on Saturday, May 10, to share Convocation Day, the biggest event of the academic year, with the largest-ever graduating class at UPEI.

Over 820 students received their degrees, diplomas and certificates during two ceremonies, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Honorary degrees were conferred upon Wayne Gray and James Carter during the morning ceremony, and Nona Macdonald Heaslip and Joe Ng during the afternoon ceremony. Gray gave the convocation speech to graduates at the morning event, and Macdonald Heaslip addressed those at the afternoon ceremony.

Lindsay Belmonte Renzullo, who received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree at convocation, gave the valedictory address in the morning, and Tricia Fleming, who was awarded her bachelor of science degree in biology, spoke at the afternoon convocation.

"Today we gather with each other for one last time to celebrate our accomplishments," said Renzullo. "Today marks the end of a very significant phase in life and the beginning of the next important chapter. I have no doubt that the University of Prince Edward Island has prepared us all properly to leave as graduates with the skills to learn, aptitude to succeed and the abilities and creativity to make a difference.

In her address, Fleming told fellow graduates that they should be proud to be receiving a degree from "such an extraordinary university."

"In fact, we should be gracious to be receiving a degree at all. University graduates are the minority in the world, thus, we have a responsibility to help make the world a better place through using our gift. Therefore, as one journey ends, another begins. Our time at UPEI has hopefully shaped our lives for the better in preparation for the new journey ahead of us."

The Class of 2008 included the first group of teachers from Fort McMurray, Alberta, to complete the requirements for their Master of Education in Leadership in Learning degrees. Of the 24 successful graduates, 11 attended the convocation ceremony on Saturday. As well, five graduates were the first to receive their Bachelor of Education in Human Resource Development.

During the morning ceremony, the following degrees and diplomas were awarded: bachelor of education; bachelor of education in French immersion; bachelor of business administration; bachelor of business administration (co-operative education); bachelor of business administration (honours); bachelor of business administration in tourism and hospitality; bachelor of business administration in tourism and hospitality (co-operative education); bachelor of science in nursing; bachelor of science of applied science in radiography; radiography post-diploma degree; doctor of veterinary medicine; master of science; master of veterinary medicine; master of veterinary science; master of applied health services research; master of arts in island studies; master of education; doctor of philosophy; diploma in inclusive education diploma; and diploma in public administration.

Students attending the afternoon ceremony received the following degrees and diplomas: bachelor of arts; bachelor of arts (honours); bachelor of music; bachelor of music education; bachelor of science; bachelor of science (honours); bachelor of science (co-operative education); and diploma in engineering.

For the class lists, click here.

Photo: Proud Class of 2008 graduates Jill Youland, science, and Willy Gauthier, business.