Media Release

For Immediate Release

May 21, 2010

Saint Mary's Graduates Ready to Take Next Step

Close to 1,000 students in two waves crossed the stage at the Halifax Metro Centre today to officially graduate from Saint Mary’s University.

In the morning ceremony, students in Graduate and Undergraduate Programs in the Faculties of Science and the Arts received their diploma parchments from Saint Mary’s University Chancellor Dr. David F. Sobey.

Dawson Wambolt of Halifax was the valedictorian for the morning ceremony, with Meghan Dooks, Head of Jeddore, serving as hooding candidate.  Bernadette Gatien of Grand Bay, New Brunswick, was presented a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, the first doctorate in the field handed out by the university.

In addition to degrees bestowed on students, Dr. Sobey presented an Honorary Doctor of Commerce to CN CEO Claude Mongeau, an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law to Progress Media Group CEO Neville Gilfoy and an Honorary Doctor of Science to Dr. Patricia Rowe.

 Dr. Mongeau addressed the graduating class at the morning ceremony.

At the afternoon ceremony, more than 440 graduates from the Sobey School of Business received their diplomas and certificates and were celebrated for their accomplishments. Many international business students were among the recipients, hailing from diverse locations around the globe that included: China, Jordan, Yemen, Thailand, India, Egypt, Gambia Iran, Qatar, and the Bahamas.

Erin Garner of Annapolis Royal was the valedictorian for the afternoon ceremony, with Omar Lodge of Bermuda, as hooding candidate.

In addition to degrees bestowed on students at the afternoon ceremony, Dr. Sobey presented three additional honorary doctoral degrees.  Michael Durland, Co-CEO of Scotia Capital was made an Honorary Doctor of Commerce. Paul Dyer, Regional Vice-President with Scotiatrust was also made a Doctor of Commerce. Education advocate Sandra Irving was presented an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law.

Dr. Durland addressed the graduating class.

As part of the afternoon ceremony, Dr. Barry Gorman, Accounting, was presented with the Father William A. Stewart, S.J., Medal for Excellence in Teaching. The medal is awarded annually to a faculty member who has made significant contributions to the education of Saint Mary’s students through excellence in teaching and service.

Three retiring faculty members were also recognized at the ceremony. They were Dr. Harold McGee, Anthropology; Dr. David Perrier, Sociology and Criminology and Prof. Susan Walter, Anthropology.

To view the complete list of spring 2010 graduates, click here.

Saint Mary’s University now has approximately 39,000 alumni  around the world.

For more information about the Saint Mary’s University convocation ceremony, please visit: http://www.smu.ca/registrar/grad_spring.html

-30-

For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca