Mount Saint Vincent University celebrated more than 440 graduates from 14 countries during its spring convocation ceremonies on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Students crossed the stage from arts, science, education, and professional programs to accept a range of 30 degrees, diplomas and certificates and join a global network of alumni more than 39,000 strong.
Honorary degree recipient
During the fall 2024 convocation, MSVU bestowed the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, on Ruby Blois.
Ms. Blois is a trailblazer, community leader and former health care executive who has had a transformational impact on health care not just in Nova Scotia, but across the country.
In her address to graduates, Ruby spoke of the power of rallying and supporting others toward a common purpose, sharing examples from her career. She spoke of the Doula program she worked with Sister Joan O’Keefe to establish at the IWK, Brigadoon – a camp for children that she supported the late Dave McKeage to establish, and the Dartmouth Outreach Resource Centre which she led the creation of some 25 years ago.
She acknowledged the challenges posed by these experiences and called on graduates to take care of themselves on their life journeys. “In order to navigate life’s ups and downs, look after your health – mind, body and spirit,” she said. “Take time to smell the roses, as they say. Balance work with fun. Be quiet in nature and appreciate the beauty all around you. This won’t fail you.”
Student prizes
The Valedictorian Prize for significant contributions to extracurricular activities at MSVU and in the community-at-large was awarded to:
- Tien Pham, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Hai Duong, Vietnam
- Christina Flemming, PhD in Educational Studies, Halifax, NS
The President’s Prize, awarded to graduates whose generosity, energy, and commitment enrich the university, was presented to:
- Tien Pham, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Hai Duong, Vietnam
Membership to Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, is based on scholarship, leadership, and service, and was presented to:
- Tien Pham, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Hai Duong, Vietnam
Graduate thesis award:
- Chelsea Purdy, Master of Science in Applied Human Nutrition, Liverpool, NS
Thesis title: Remembering our past to influence the future: A photovoice project on access to food with Indigenous Peoples living with HIV/AIDS in Mi’kma’ki
Faculty awards
Research Excellence Awards:
Dr. Karen Macfarlane, English – Award for Research Excellence
Dr. Jennifer Khoury, Psychology – Award for Early Career Research