UPEI convocation sees record number of graduates - - former NL premier Danny Williams receives honorary degree

A record number of 902 graduates received degrees, diplomas, and certificates today during convocation at the University of Prince Edward Island including the first graduates from the Master of Business Administration and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. UPEI's Class of 2011 gathered in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre for two ceremonies, the first beginning at 10:00 am and the second at 2:30 pm.

View Convocation Photo Gallery.

During the morning ceremony, Louis W. MacEachern, entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist, and Danny Williams, QC, former premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, received honorary degrees.

In his convocation address, Mr. Williams recounted his many ties with Prince Edward Island, remarking, 'I have had some wonderful times here in Prince Edward Island and, frankly, I was deeply touched and privileged when I learned that I would be a recipient of an honorary degree from this first rate institution of higher learning.'

Williams went on to challenge graduates, 'For some, it may be behind the scenes, quietly contributing to an organization. Or you might be called to the most noble of professions, and that is teaching our children. For others, it may be creating your own business, or you may be destined to serve in public office. Or maybe you will lend your talents to the volunteer sector. Or maybe you will choose the most important job of all, raising a family. But whatever path you choose, know that you can make a difference.'

UPEI also conferred honorary degrees upon Teresa Mellish, the driving force behind the PEI-based, non-governmental organization, Farmers Helping Farmers, and Monique Collette, senior advisor to the Privy Council Office and former president of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency during the afternoon ceremony. Mellish delivered the afternoon convocation address to graduates.

Charlotte Coulson, from Kensington, who received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, gave the valedictory address in the morning, and Amanda MacKinnon, from Montague, who was awarded her Bachelor of Science degree, addressed her fellow graduates at the afternoon convocation.

MacKinnon said, 'We're UPEI graduates! Right from the start, from the minute we received that acceptance letter in the mail, we knew we were something different, and that we were destined to be something great. UPEI has prepared us for any obstacle, any challenge, and every success we will have.'

While a number of prizes were awarded at events leading up to Convocation, the Governor-General Medals were presented by Lieutenant-Governor Barbara A. Hagerman to graduate student Robert Déziel (Master of Science) of Charlottetown in the morning, and to undergraduate student Ashley Doyle (Bachelor of Arts) of Cornwall at the afternoon ceremony.

This year's Convocation Day capped a week-long celebration that marked many milestones for students, staff and faculty, and the University community. On May 1, Father Charlie Cheverie officiated at his final Convocation Mass as University Chaplain after 62 years at UPEI and its predecessor institution, St. Dunstan's University, as a student, professor, and campus minister. As well, 2011 will be Wade MacLauchlan's last convocation as UPEI president and vice-chancellor after 12 years at the helm.