2011-2012

News Release

REF NO.: 196

SUBJECT: Memorial University to hold spring convocation ceremonies in St. John’s

DATE: May 28, 2012

It is a time of pomp and ceremony, family and friends. At this week’s spring convocation ceremonies, close to 2,400 degrees will be awarded to well-deserving Memorial University students at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre.
Lasting memories will be made during eight sessions of convocation from May 29-June 1. As well, three outstanding individuals from the worlds of broadcast journalism, public service and law and finance will be awarded honorary degrees during the convocation ceremonies and serve as inspiration to graduates.
The honourees include radio broadcaster Shelagh Rogers; president and CEO of Indspire Roberta Jamieson; and former auditor general of Canada Sheila Fraser. Ms. Rogers will receive a doctor of laws degree on Tuesday, May 29, at 3 p.m.; Ms. Fraser will receive a doctor of laws degree on Wednesday, May 30, at 10 a.m.; and Ms. Jamieson will receive a doctor of laws degree on Friday, June 1, at 3 p.m.
Honorary degree recipients are chosen from among nominations submitted by the public to the Senate, the university’s academic governing body,
after a careful examination of the grounds for their nomination. The honorary doctorate degree is designed to recognize extraordinary contribution to society or the university or exceptional intellectual or artistic achievement.                                                  
Dr. Gary Kachanoski, Memorial’s president and vice-chancellor, will address all eight sessions of convocation and be joined by other members of Memorial’s senior administration who will speak at various ceremonies.
The university is also developing a convocation supplement in collaboration with the Telegram. The Saturday, June 2, special insert — sure to be a memento for graduates and their families – will feature the names of the graduates together with stories of the outstanding achievements of some graduates.
In Corner Brook, approximately 160 graduates attended the Grenfell Campus convocation ceremony on Friday, May 11, at 10 a.m. at the Pepsi Studio. Musician Everard “Bud” Davidge received an honorary doctor of laws degree during the session. For Grenfell Campus graduates, a supplement ran in the Saturday, May 11, edition of The Western Star.
For further information about convocation, please visit www.mun.ca/convocation/.
Memorial’s spring convocation is also being broadcast live on the Internet. The broadcast will be available for viewing at www.mun.ca during each convocation session and archived on the convocation website for future viewing. 
 

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