Mount Allison Spring Convocation set for May 13
2013-05-06 14:08:07
2013 marks 150th anniversary of University Convocation ceremonies
SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University will confer degrees on approximately 500 students — one of the largest classes in the university’s history — during Spring Convocation ceremonies on Monday, May 13 in Convocation Hall. Science, Commerce, and Arts students with honours or majors in Commerce, mathematics, or psychology will receive their degrees during the morning ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m., while Arts, Fine Arts, and Music students will be honoured during the afternoon ceremony beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Mount Allison will also bestow honorary degrees on four Canadian leaders: James D. (Jim) Irving, co-CEO of J.D. Irving Limited; Deepa Mehta, Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director; Bernard Richard, former New Brunswick ombudsman and child and youth advocate; and Dr. Janet Rossant, chief of research and senior scientist at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children and deputy scientific director at the Stem Cell Network of Centres of Excellence.
Bernard Richard will address the morning Convocation, while Deepa Mehta will speak during the afternoon ceremony.
Mount Allison University Chancellor and CBC News Chief Correspondent Peter Mansbridge and University President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Campbell will preside over the ceremonies.
Campbell says “Mount Allison’s Class of 2013 is a historical one for many reasons. This group of exceptional students is one of our largest — with approximately 500 graduates — and this year marks the 150th anniversary of Convocation. I am pleased to welcome them, and our outstanding honorary degree recipients to the alumni community, and congratulate them all on this wonderful accomplishment.”
Mount Allison will also celebrate the first class in its Bachelor of Science (aviation) program this spring. A partnership with the Moncton Flight College, the program sees students obtain their commercial pilot’s license while earning their undergraduate degree.
History student Katharina Stobbs of Penrith, UK has been selected as the 2013 Valedictorian. Stobbs has been a familiar face on campus, working with the Mount Allison Students’ Union, as an assistant residence don, and in the University Advancement office as the Layton Fisher Intern of Philanthropy. She starred in the campus production of The Vagina Monologues and as Maria in this year’s Garnet and Gold musical theatre production of The Sound of Music.
A number of events will be open to the public over Convocation and Reunion Weekend at Mount Allison. Halifax-based funk band the Mellotones will perform at Jennings Hall on Friday, May 10, at 8:30 p.m. while the annual Garnet & Gold Gala, featuring live music will be held in the Wallace McCain Student Centre, Saturday, May 11 starting at 10:30 p.m. Tickets for both events are available at the door.
An opening reception for the Fine Arts Graduating Students’ Exhibition will be held Saturday, May 11 at 4 p.m. in the Owens Art Gallery and Colville House, an interpretive centre devoted to renowned Canadian artist and Allisonian Alex Colville, will be open Friday to Monday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Convocation Weekend Recital, presented by graduating Music students, is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 12 in Brunton Auditorium in the Marjorie Young Bell Conservatory of Music and Tintamarre, Mount Allison’s bilingual theatre troupe, will present ALBUM on May 12 from 4-5 p.m. in Tweedie Hall.
For more information, including a complete schedule of events for Convocation Weekend, please visit mta.ca/convocation.
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