Halifax, NS – On May 19 and 20 more than 740 students from over 20 countries graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University.
The Mount bestowed honorary degrees on two established women leaders, Ms. Phyllis Yaffe and Dr. Samantha Nutt, who addressed students during the ceremonies.
“Keep an open mind – what you think you want to do today can change, and will change,” said Ms. Yaffe, who began her career as a librarian and most recently was the CEO of Alliance Atlantis Inc.
“It won’t be enough for you to DO better than other generations,” said Dr. Nutt. “You have to BE better.” Dr. Nutt, who is the founder of War Child, a not for profit organization that empowers women and children in war affected areas, also encouraged students to ask themselves hard questions about how they want to impact the world around them.
“It’s your world, it’s your legacy, these are your decisions to make,” she said.
Catherine Woodman, CEO of the United Way of Halifax and Chair of the Mount’s Board of Governors addressed students at the Thursday morning ceremony and challenged students to acknowledge the power of influence and to actively contribute to their communities.
Valedictorian Prizes were awarded to:
• Stephany Peterson, Masters of Arts in Education, Kennebecasis, NS
• Devin Woods, Bachelor of Business Administration, Lower Sackville, NS
• Brianne Bezanson, Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Mount Uniacke, NS.
The President’s Prize, which is awarded to graduates whose generosity, energy and commitment enriches the University, was presented to:
• Lindy Herrington (Bachelor of Arts), Rothesay, NB
• Devin Woods (Bachelor of Business Administration)
• Jennifer Wyatt, Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education), Halifax, NS
• Heather Hanson (Master of Public Relations), Halifax, NS.
The Kappa Gamma Pi awards for scholarship, leadership and service were awarded to:
• Carrie Demont, Bachelor of Applied Arts, Family Studies and Gerontology; Halifax, NS
• Eun Young Kim, Master of Public Relations; Seoul, Korea
• Jonathan Arnold, Bachelor of Arts; Dartmouth, NS
• Angel Eastman, Bachelor of Science (Honours); Sackville, NS
• Cheryl Marie LeBlanc Weldon, Master of Education (Literacy Education); West Chezzetcook, NS
• Ashley Marie MacPherson, Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education); Calgary, Alberta.
Governor General Medals are given once a year to students with the highest aggregate in the final three years of a degree program and were awarded to:
• Normand Gendron, Bachelor of Business Administration; Waverley, NS
• Cheryl Marie LeBlanc Weldon, Master of Education (Literacy Education).
The Lieutenant Governor Intergenerational Award, awarded to students for their commitment to enriching the lives of youth and seniors in their community was presented to:
• Derek Smith, Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education); Cole Harbour, NS
• Patricia Morse, Master of Arts, Child and Youth Study; Halifax, NS.
In addition, Senate Medals were awarded to students graduating with distinction and the highest aggregate in their respective program.
Dr. Anna Smol, Associate Professor, Department of English, was presented with the Instructional Leadership Award for her commitment to the improvement of teaching and learning at the Mount, her leadership among colleagues and for creating an environment in which teaching and learning excellence is valued and fostered.
Photos of the Mount’s convocation are available on the Mount’s flickr page.
About Mount Saint Vincent University
Recognized as a leader in flexible education, applied research, and a personalized approach to education, Mount Saint Vincent University is nationally recognized among undergraduate universities in Canada for our success in Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grants and for having one of the lowest student-to-professor ratios. The Mount is committed to providing the best university experience for all members of our community and to developing thoughtful, engaged citizens who make a positive impact on their world. For additional information about the University, visit msvu.ca.
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For more information contact:
Akiko Lovett
akiko.lovett@msvu.ca
(902) 441-0505