Carleton Opens Spring Convocation 2018
By
Matt Gergyek
Photo Credit:
Mike Pinder
Hundreds of students from Carleton University’s faculties of Science and Public Affairs graduated today at morning and afternoon ceremonies.
Gilles Patry, head of the U15-Group of Canadian Research Universities, was awarded an honorary degree in the morning. He was recognized for his leadership in fostering innovation and collaboration in the post-secondary education sector in the Ottawa region and across Canada.
Officially a graduate of @Carleton_U with a Bachelors of Science with High Distinction and a Senate Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Thanks to everyone who supported me during the past four years. So excited for what comes next! #convocation2018 pic.twitter.com/Uw45yJELyZ
— Natasha Osborne (@natashadosborne) June 12, 2018
Meanwhile, Helen Clark, the 37th prime minister of New Zealand and the country’s first elected female leader, was awarded an honorary degree at the afternoon ceremony. Clark was acknowledged for her role as an outstanding international leader committed to the values of equality and social empowerment.
“The program [gives students the skills] to help folks not only navigate the system but to fix the parts of the system that are broken to begin with” said Julie Burnett, who graduated with a degree in Social Work.
A Capital Location
Political Science, History and Law graduate, Marcel Groves, noted Carleton’s location played a big role in his choice to study here.
“Carleton’s located in the nation’s capital . . . so it’s a big draw for students interested in politics,” he said.
Two members of the Convocation team, Cameron Begin and Chiara Webb, will be swapping their red staff robes for black graduation robes later this week.
Begin will cross the stage to obtain a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies with a double minor in History and Political Science.
Helping Students Find Their Passions
[The program’s] very broad and great for helping you find what you’re passionate about,” he said.
Begin hopes to pursue a career in political communication or video design.
Webb graduates Friday, earning a degree in Psychology with a double minor in Communications and History.
“It’s been a fantastic experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything,” she said.
Webb works at the Student Experience Office (SEO) and hopes to continue working at Carleton for years to come.
Spring Convocation: A Time for Meaningful Citizenship
“Ravens are among the most intelligent birds,” Interim President Alistair Summerlee said in closing remarks. “Believe it or not, they’re one of the few species that actually care about one another . . . like we should as fellow human beings.
”Be meaningful citizens with a strong sense of being here for good.”
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