– submitted by Dr. Donald Burke
Spring Convocation is my favourite event in the annual calendar at Booth University College. Convocation marks the culmination of the academic year and of the studies of our graduating class. It’s an opportunity for us to recognize the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of our graduating students. As a professor, Convocation provides me with an opportunity to applaud the growth that I have seen in my students. It celebrates a sense of a job well done, both by our graduates and by Booth University College.
This year Convocation will look and feel different because we are going virtual. In addition, because the 2020 Convocation was cancelled due to the pandemic, on April 25th we will celebrate the achievements of both the 2020 and the 2021 graduating classes.
As in the past, this year’s graduating class selected one graduand to speak on their behalf during Convocation. Bachelor of Social Work graduand Japhlet Lolo has been chosen by his fellow students to be this year’s Valedictorian. Japhlet arrived in Winnipeg from Kenya on a very cold January day. He must have wondered whatever possessed him to embark on this adventure. But Japhlet found that Booth UC is a warm and welcoming place. He worked diligently throughout his program and is ready to begin his career as a professional social worker.
On rare occasions Booth University College confers an honorary degree upon a worthy recipient. It has been fifteen years since our last honorary doctorate was conferred, so we take this seriously. This year we will recognize the lifetime of outstanding service given by Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan when we confer upon her the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. Commissioner MacMillan will then deliver the convocation address.
Finally, we will acknowledge the contributions of two faculty members who together have served at Booth University for more than 50 years. Dr. Roy Jeal will be recognized as Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies and Professor Bonnie Bryant will be recognized as Professor Emerita of Social Work.
Convocation 2021 will be an exciting event as more than 150 students will be recognized for their achievements. I want to invite you to join us virtually for the celebration.
Visit boothuc.ca/event/spring-convocation/ for more information
