Graduates, include travel in the options open to you, it provides an avenue for learning that is unparalleled, and remember who you are and where you come, were words of wisdom offered to StFX graduates during Spring Convocation ceremonies May 2, 2010.
The advice came from the Hon. Flora MacDonald, Canada’s first female foreign minister and longtime humanitarian and distinguished ophthalmologist, surgeon and StFX alumnus Dr. Brian O’Brien, who joined with national business moguls and entrepreneurs Donald Sobey and David Sobey in receiving honorary degrees from StFX on Sunday.
It’s not the number of countries that matter, it’s the people you meet in those countries and what you learn from them, Dr. MacDonald said in her Convocation address.
Dr. O’Brien urged graduates to remember where they came, to treat that with respect, and "coupled with determination and work hard, you’ll be a success." He also offered praise for alma mater.
“In life there are a number of things that are important … that you matter and that you belong, at StFX they exist,” he told the full house gathered at the Keating Centre and those following the ceremony via internet.
From the moment nearly 1,000 StFX graduates were piped into the building until they filed out, carrying hard-earned degrees in their hands, a feeling of promise filled the air during morning and afternoon ceremonies. Joy. Emotion. Big smiles and flashing cameras filled the Keating Centre throughout the day.
“We spent four years chasing a dream. Dreams have shaped us to become great …. Take your dream and run with it,” senior class speaker Kevin Klin told classmates who responded with a standing ovation.
“We have learned the Xaverian experience extends farther than the classroom,” the morning’s senior class speaker Alex Gosselin said in congratulating her classmates.
Highlights from the day included the presentation of the 2010 Outstanding Teaching Award to chemistry professor Dr. Manuel Aquino, and the 2010 University Research Award to StFX Coordinator of Aquatic Resources Dr. David Garbary.
“How sweet it is,” said Andrea MacLean-Holohan, who brought greetings from the StFX Alumni Association. “Please use the alumni network. Those who wear the ring will gladly help you,” the alumni president said.
“You join 32,000 alumni around the world, it's a big day for them too.”
As graduates picked up their diplomas, alumni association representatives Ed McHugh and Shawn Monahan waited by the stage to offer congratulations and alumni pins to the newly-minted grads.
In welcoming all to Convocation, StFX President Dr. Sean Riley encouraged graduates to give a wave of applause and thanks to parents, family and friends. Graduates are not here alone, he said.
“You’re joined today in person or in spirit by those who have helped. Seek out those special people in your life, look around the room … Let’s let a wave of thanks go out to all the people who helped you all these years.
“We simply cannot know what will be achieved by the Class of 2010, it’s one of the great mysteries and pleasures of today,” he said. “But it’s with a real sense of optimism we send you forth.”
Medalists 2010
The University Silver Medal is awarded for the highest average in the final three years of an honours, advanced major or major degree program.
• Bachelor of Science to Travis Joseph Ryan, Dartmouth, NS
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Robyn Justine Kenny, Corner Brook, NL
• Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition to Mary Margaret Cranmer-Byng, Mississauga, ON
• Bachelor of Arts/Science in Human Kinetics to Brett Alexander Barro, Cole Harbour, NS
• Bachelor of Arts to Tiffany Erin Van den Eynden, Scotsburn, NS
• Bachelor of Music to Scott Edward Steven Neary, Wabush, NL
• The University Silver Medal for the highest average in the two years of the Bachelor of Education program to Stephanie Elaine MacDonald, Whycocomagh, NS
• The Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems, the Silver Medal for the highest average in the final three years of Bachelor of Information Systems to Michael Barry Brushett, Petit de Grat, NS
• ONEX Corporation Gold Medal for the highest average in the final three years of Bachelor of Business Administration to Jessica K. Spotowski, Calgary, AB
• The University Gold Medal for the highest average in the final three years of an honours program in the Faculty of Science to Ryan Huntley Mason, Antigonish, NS
• The Governor General Medal for the highest average in the final three years of an honours program in the Faculty of Arts to Kathryn Patricia Wood, Edmonton, AB