By Katie Stobbart (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: June 19, 2013
“There is no such thing as a self-made man,” Sol Sun said Friday morning in his student address. The psychology major, bound for the University of Toronto next fall, took a moment to thank family, friends and professors of graduates.
“We would not be here if not for the amazing team of individuals by our sides,” he said.
Family, community and excellence stood out as central themes in the three ceremonies celebrating the convocation of graduates this year. Director of research services and industry liaison Brad Whittaker emceed the three events. First, the faculties of open studies and professional studies took the stage on Thursday afternoon. Then on Friday morning the college of arts crossed the stage, with the faculties of science, health science and trades and technology finishing up on Friday afternoon. Graduates crossed amid the cheers and whistles of family and friends in the crowd, many recognized for earning multiple certificates in addition to their degrees.
But there is more to a degree than just a piece of paper, and there is more to this moment than a single achievement or a single student.
“This is where things get interesting, as everyone starts branching out,” Nicole Balston, sociology major and French minor said. “I’ve gotten more from [UFV] than just a paper credential.”
Balston—on her way to teach in France next year—credits UFV for her success and opportunities.
“It’s a teaching university, and you can take full advantage of that. Take directed studies in something you’re interested in, talk to professors about research opportunities … You remember experiences later on, not the grades.”
In his address to the students, UFV president and vice chancellor Mark Evered encouraged the students to take risks.
“You can take confidence in knowing that you can reach out into the unknown, not just with a credential, but with the strong foundation of your studies behind you,” he said. “As of today you become alumni of UFV, permanent members of the UFV family … your success is our success.”
The UFV family also extended its arms to Canadian musician and motivational speaker Bif Naked, scientist and journalist Penny Parks and artist George Littlechild by bestowing each with an honorary doctorate.
“It’s such a thrill, and so humbling, to be recognized that way,” Naked said on International Women’s Day after Evered asked her to accept the degree.
UFV chancellor Brian Minter challenged the students to be a positive change in the world in his address.
“Greatness goes beyond the ordinary, and passion is what will get you there,” he said. “Be positive – in a world of negativity, the positive shines like a beacon of light and turns negativity in a different direction.”
One graduate recognized for outstanding achievement this year was political science major Surjit Atwal, who has persevered through cerebral palsy while completing his studies. He received a standing ovation when it was announced that the Surjit Atwal Remarkable Achievement Award had been created in his honour.
“Tomorrow and beyond, we will watch with pride as [graduates] use their knowledge, skill and creativity to benefit us all,” Evered declared in his address. “Vibrant, innovative, healthy, inclusive and sustainable communities are built on the contributions of such graduates.”
UFV recognized a number of students for their achievements, including library and information technology graduate Anna-Marie Krahn, the recipient of the Governor General’s bronze medal. Sun, Derek Froese and Laurie Shulz were given the honour of speaking at the three ceremonies.
Communications instructor Linda Pardy was awarded for UFV Teaching Excellence, and chemistry instructor Noham Weinberg was given the award for Research Excellence, while Darryl Plecas earned the designation of Professor Emeritus.
“In our communities we seem to find fewer and fewer opportunities to get together. But today we do,” Evered said, speaking of convocation as a time to publicly recognize the talent of faculty and the students that UFV is privileged to serve.
