More than 600 Faculty of Health students convocate at 2023 spring ceremony
Approximately 600 Faculty of Health graduating students crossed the stage at their convocation ceremony this morning as faculty members, staff and guests congratulated them on their achievements. The ceremony marked the first time an Eagle Staff, recently adopted by the University, opened a convocation ceremony. The Eagle Staff represents the University’s commitment to Indigenous perspectives in the ways it teaches, governs and behaves as an institution, and it was carried in by the Faculty’s Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Myeengun Henry. The Cedar Hill Singers started the ceremony with a drumming circle.
Terry Stewart, a graduate of Recreation and Leisure Studies (BA ’75, MA ’76) and former director of information technology, was named Honorary Member of the University for his 40 years of service. He was also lauded for being a credit to the university in his volunteer activities.
Dr. Scott Leatherdale, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, gave a special address to the Class of 2023. Leatherdale, who has been diagnosed with cancer, shared “Five thoughts of a dying professor:” Be proud; Don’t be afraid to take risks; Be tolerant and understanding; Learn to move past rejection; and Be resilient. “Recognize that there will always be rocks in the road ahead of you," he said in his moving address. "You have to choose if those rocks are stumbling blocks that stop you on your journey or stepping stones that create a new path. That is your decision to make. In my life, there have been many rocks in my path, but I keep stepping on them as I move forward."
The valedictorian, Katie Ivancic, a graduate from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, referenced Marie Kondo in her speech, advising the Class of 2023 to intentionally recognize the small, joyful moments that happen in life. “Then spread the joy wherever you go,” she said.
Congratulations to the 550 undergraduate, 54 Master’s and 22 PhD students who convocated this spring, as well as the following graduates who received special awards:
Governor General’s Gold Medal (PhD): Dr. Jackie Zehr, Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Governor General’s Gold Medal (Master’s): Kendra Fortin, Recreation and Leisure Studies
President’s Award of Excellence: Maisha Adil, Public Health Sciences
(Awarded to the top graduating student in the Faculty of Health, based on highest GPA)
Alumni Gold Medal: Alyssa Marie Hyde, Recreation and Leisure Studies
(Awarded to the next top graduating student in the Faculty of Health, based on academic achievement, contributions to the academic program, contributions to community and other contributions)
Highest Academic Achievement
(Awarded to the top graduating students in each academic unit, based on highest GPA)
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences: Rebecca Ashley Knarr, Kinesiology, Honours Co-op
- Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies: Alyssa Marie Hyde, Therapeutic Recreation, Honours
- School of Public Health Sciences: Maisha Adil, Health Studies, Honours Co-op
View a recording of the 2023 Faculty of Health Spring Convocation ceremony:
Read more about some of our convocating students: