Dr. Chris Hadfield addresses the graduating class explaining, "Today, like a launch, is very much a manifestation of years of hard work."
The pomp and circumstance began at 10:00 a.m. with the Applied Health Sciences ceremony of the University's 108th convocation. Three-hundred and sixty nine students received their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Retired astronaut and Professor Chris Hadfield received the first honorary degree of Convocation, a Doctor of Science. Colonel Hadfield is a graduate of Royal Military College where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering, after which he undertook post-graduate research at the University of Waterloo and then earned a master’s degree in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee. He served for 25 years as an air force pilot and in 1992 he launched his impressive career as an astronaut; today he is recognized worldwide as a respected leader in space exploration. His tremendous achievements as an astronaut are highlighted by three space flights, two space walks, and the distinction of being the first Canadian to serve as Commander of the International Space Station. Hadfield addressed Convocation after receiving his degree.
Gregory D. Mittler delivered the valedictory address.
Professor
Stuart
McGill
was
recognized
with
the
Award
of
Excellence
in
Graduate
Supervision.
Ian
Curtis
Smith was
the
recipient
of
the
2014
Governor
General’s
Gold
Medal
for
Highest
Standing
in
a
PhD
program
at
the
University
of
Waterloo.
There
is
only
one
such
award
given
each
year.
Ami
Richter received
the
Applied
Health
Science
Alumni
Achievement
Award.
Farhan Asrar received the Applied Health Sciences Young Alumni Award.
Maja Vermeulen received the Alumni Gold Medal.
Departmental Awards for Distinguished Academic Achievement recipients included:
- Erica Anders, School of Public Health and Health Systems
- Samantha Anders, School of Public Health and Health Systems
- Maja Vermeulen, Kinesiology
- Sara Anne Ralph-Bollenbach, Recreation and Leisure Studies
A graduate student involved in space-flight research that includes data collection and analysis with Professor Chris Hadfield received a master of science in kinesiology at the AHS ceremony. Katelyn Fraser, who worked in Professor Richard Hughson's lab for five years beginning as a co-op student, received the "Outstanding Achievement in Graduate Studies" award.
Roy Cameron was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Professor Cameron is executive director of Homewood Research Institute. In his previous roles as executive director of the Propel Centre for Population Health Impact and the Centre for Behavioural Research and Program Evaluation at the University of Waterloo, he played a key role in designing and developing world-class research centres. As a leader in building population health intervention research capacity through transdisciplinary models in Canada, he has reshaped the field of cancer research worldwide and his work has enhanced policies and programs that have improved the quality of life for those touched by cancer.