Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) celebrated more than 700 graduates from 25 countries during its Spring 2022 convocation ceremonies this week. The ceremonies took place in-person in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 19 and 20. This marked the second session of in-person convocation ceremonies the university has held since the COVID-19 pandemic began (the first were in the fall of 2021). A graduation re-do will be held on May 25 for all those whose graduation ceremonies moved online during the pandemic.
This spring, students crossed the stage from arts, science, education, and professional programs to accept a range of certificates, diplomas and degrees before becoming part of MSVU’s network of more than 36,000 alumni worldwide.
A special tribute to Alexa McDonough
The convocation ceremony held Thursday morning (May 19), featured a celebration of the tremendous legacy of the late Dr. Alexa McDonough, OC, ONS. Alexa was a trailblazing social worker, reporter, teacher and politician. A cherished member of the MSVU family, she was also Interim President of the university from 2009 to 2010 and an MSVU honorary degree recipient.
Abbie Jean McDonough, Alexa McDonough’s eldest granddaughter, and Megan Leslie, CEO of World Wildlife Fund Canada, former NDP Member of Parliament, and MSVU honorary doctorate, shared their reflections on Alexa.
Abbie Jean spoke of an important lesson she learned from her grandmother: the difference between sympathy and empathy. “Through empathy, my grandmother was able to recognize her privilege and uplift and amplify the voices of people belonging to communities that were historically not given a seat at the table.”
Megan described Alexa’s thoughtful mentorship. “She was always there for advice and insight…but her way of supporting me was to step back and to let me be who I was as a leader, and I am very grateful for that.”
Together Megan and Abbie Jean called on graduates to live in Alexa’s example and “be loving, hopeful and optimistic”; “be in solidarity with your neighbours”; “use your voice and privilege”; and “reach back and pull others up to join you and maybe even surpass you.”
Honorary degree recipients
During spring 2022 convocation ceremonies, MSVU bestowed honorary degrees on three exceptional women: Retired Judge Corrine E. Sparks; Dr. Marie Battiste; and Deanne Fitzpatrick.
Retired Judge Corrine E. Sparks, BA, LLB, LLM, DHumL
Retired Judge Corrine Sparks is the first African Nova Scotian to be appointed to the Bench and the first African Canadian female to serve on the judiciary in Canada (also a proud graduate of MSVU).
In her address to graduates, Dr. Sparks spoke of the meaning of success. She described success as multi-faceted and something that evolves over time. And she described enduring success as stemming from service for the overall greater good of humanity.
She said, “You, graduates, are part of the piercing of the proverbial wall of indifference and I commend you for reaching this level of success as it is tied to broader community awareness and success. Each generation has to put a dent in the wall of injustice. Building a society where pluralism prevails and equality, inclusion and diversion rank high, helps to build thriving and successful communities as part of our common humanity. Each of you in your individual way can be part of this configuration of society.”
Marie Battiste, OC, FRSC, BS, EdM, EdD, DHumL
Dr. Marie Battiste is a renowned scholar and advisor on decolonizing education and protecting Indigenous knowledges.
She shared her learning journey with graduates, most of whom were graduating from MSVU’s Faculty of Education during the ceremony she attended. She spoke of the teachings she gained from a Mi’kmaq Elder and her family that helped her on her learning journey. She spoke of growing up amidst the diminishment of her own people. And she reminded about how we must continue to work to address injustices and inequalities of all kinds.
She said, “Graduates, our future is how we walk and live out our purposes every day. It’s about finding your gifts, listening to your learning spirit, taking risks and making choices and living fully with others, sharing and respecting all of our rights and responsibilities that go with them. … Your own learning spirit will guide your continual learning and help you continue to fulfill your purposes for being here. Be open and listen.”
Deanne Fitzpatrick, BA, MEd, DHumL
Deanne Fitzpatrick is a textile artist whose celebrated hooked rugs have been exhibited through public galleries and private collections
She called on graduates to never diminish their story; recognize, respect and learn from their insecurities; use their creativity; and tap into their goodness, because it’s in all of us.
“Be proud of who you are and where you come from. Know that your insecurities are nothing short of normal. That you are a creative being, and that you are full of goodness. … Go off now, and savour the day. And be good to each other. And make the rest of your story matter.”
On creativity, she said: “Self-expression and looking at the world in new ways is not just important in art, we know that. It’s vital in math, science, business and all of life. So please don’t exclude yourself from the idea of creativity. It’s there inside you waiting for you to acknowledge and use it.”
First MountAbility graduates
At Spring 2022 convocation, MSVU celebrated the achievements of its first graduates of the MountAbility program: Will Brewer and Tamara Byard, both of Halifax, NS. The program is a pathway to university studies for students who self-identify as having a disability that might otherwise have been a barrier to university studies. Students in the MountAbility program pursue studies in Arts, Science, Professional Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies.
Student prizes
Valedictorian Prizes for significant contributions to extracurricular activities at MSVU and in the community-at-large were awarded to:
- Jasmine Tang, Bachelor of Science with a Combined Major in Biology and Psychology, Cornwall, PE
- D’Vaughn Rolle-Johnson, Bachelor of Business Administration, Nassau, Bahamas
- Brooke Van Tassel, Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education), Middle Sackville, NS
- Grace Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Integrated Internship Education), New Glasgow, NS
The President’s Prize, awarded to graduates whose generosity, energy and commitment enriches the university, was presented to:
- Helena Brigham-Gale, Bachelor of Arts, Bedford, NS
- Kerri Scheuermann, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Thessalon, ON
- Grace Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Integrated Internship Education), New Glasgow, NS
The Governor General’s Medal is presented once per year for the highest aggregate in the final three years of a degree program (undergraduate) and the top graduating Master’s student:
- Undergraduate: Chloe Pineau, Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Integrated Internship Education), Dartmouth, NS
- Graduate: Emilie Vaillancourt – Master of Education (Curriculum Studies), Sudbury, ON
Membership to Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, is based on scholarship, leadership, and service, and was presented to:
- Jasmine Tang, Bachelor of Science with a Combined Major in Biology and Psychology, Cornwall, PE
- Raf Mikhael Peligro, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Davao, Philippines
- Brent Wadden, Master of Education (Curriculum Studies), Sydney, NS
- Chloe Pineau, Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Nutrition (Integrated Internship Education), Dartmouth, NS
Faculty awards
Professor Emerita
- Dr. Mallika Das, Business Administration & Tourism Hospitality Management
Teaching Excellence Awards
- Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Education – President and Vice-Presidents’ Advanced Career Teaching Award
- Dr. Ellen Shaffner, Communication Studies – Alumnae Early Career Teaching Award
- Prof Susan Stevens, Family Studies and Gerontology – Alumnae Part-Time Teaching Award
Early Career Research Award
- Dr. Maya Eichler, Associate Professor, Political & Canadian Studies, and Women’s Studies, and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Social Innovation and Community Engagement
Award for Research Excellence
- Dr. Zachary Zimmer, Professor, Family Studies & Gerontology, and Tier I Canada Research Chair in Global Aging and Community