New Chapter, New Tradition

Saint Mary's University Graduates enter the Winter Convocation Ceremony in the McNally Theater Auditorium Valedictorian Catherine Anne Gunn addresses her fellow graduates

As 183 aspiring graduates filled the McNally Theater Auditorium to bid farewell to another chapter in their lives, Saint Mary’s University welcomed a new tradition to campus.

A convocation ceremony held on January 22, honouring students from the Sobey School of Business and the Faculty of Arts and Science and Graduate Studies of Research, marked the first time Saint Mary’s University celebrated Winter Convocation.

The ceremony recognized a need first expressed in 2006 by two students who required their parchments for employment purposes abroad. Since that time, the University Senate has approved a growing list of January graduates, but not until now have these winter grads been recognized with a Convocation ceremony that highlights and recognizes their accomplishments.

Parents, relatives and friends clapped, cheered and expressed their delight as their sons, daughters, and loves ones crossed the stage to receive their parchments from University Chancellor Dr. Robert P. Kelly.

“I am not sure if there is anyone that is more excited than me to be in this room today,” said a beaming Catherine Anne Gunn, valedictorian for the ceremonies.

After six years at Saint Mary’s University, the 41-year old mother of two received her Master of Business Administration.  Gunn completed her MBA as a part-time student while teaching full time in Dalhousie University’s School of Health Science and raising a family.  In her address to graduates, she highlighted many of the challenges she’s faced over the years, and the rewards she reaped at the end of the long tunnel.

“It’s good to be challenged,” she said.   “It forces you to work harder and draw on the strengths of your classmates, teachers, colleagues, friends, and family.  And it makes you dig deep inside yourself and discover skills you didn’t know existed.”

Gunn told students that after receiving her undergraduate degree in Science, she never expected she’d return to university, not once, but twice.  However, whether in the classroom or sitting in an office at work, she told graduates that no matter where life takes them; their education would never be over.

“Possibly the most important thing I’ve learned is that we’re never really finished learning, and we should never think that we are. You should learn something new every day, and from everyone around you.”

Among those honoured at the inaugural event were honourary degree recipients Lawrence J Hayes Q.C and Human Rights Advocate Philip Riteman. Both received Doctorates in Civil Law.

In his address to the graduates, Hayes offered students three basic tidbits of advice that would guide them in the years to come.

“Firstly, do something for which you have a passion,” he emphasized, reminding everyone that life is better lived when you’re happy doing what you love.

He also told the students to be sure to stay physically fit, no matter how busy life may become, and no matter how difficult a commitment it may be. 

“And finally, life is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said, stressing that although the graduates may be eager and ready to commence their careers, each day from here on out should to enjoyed to the fullest.

It was a defining moment in the newly renovated McNally Theater Auditorium, as it marked the first time since 2002, when convocation outgrew the Tower’s Field House, that Saint Mary’s University had the opportunity to celebrated convocation ceremonies on campus. 

“This historic McNally building reminds us of the past and is a guide to our future,” said
Saint Mary’s University President J. Colin Dodds, expressing the importance and significance of celebrating in the school’s most iconic building.  

In his final words to the departing class, President Dodds asked that each graduate treasure what they’ve learned from their time at Saint Mary’s as they embark on their new journey.

“Today belongs to you,” he said, “and as Santamarians, you have the confidence and knowledge to make a difference in the world.”

This page last modified Wednesday, 25-Jan-2012 16:00:31 AST