Spring convocation celebrates achievements of students, faculty and honorary doctorates

Honorary degree recipients

The Mount bestowed honorary degrees on three exceptional women: influential athlete and one of the best female hockey players in the world Hayley Wickenheiser, Mount alumna and dedicated supporter of countless community organizations Elizabeth Fountain and President of The Asper Foundation, which spearheaded the creation of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Gail Asper (bios/additional photos).

In her address, Hayley Wickenheiser, OC, BKin, MSc, encouraged graduates to use their talents for good and to see pressure as a force propelling them forward as opposed to a force bearing down on them. “It’s one thing to be the best in the world, but it’s completely another thing to be the best for the world. . .with that pressure comes privilege.” She reminded graduates of how much they have to give, noting: “People wouldn’t ask you to do really hard and really great things if they didn’t think you were really capable of them.”

Elizabeth Fountain, DCnL, shared the story of losing her son Alex to suicide in 2009. She told of her grief, but then hope in the conversations that started when her family chose to be open about Alex’s struggles and how he died. “How can anyone even get to the help they need if they continue to feel they are surrounded by shame? For us it has remained helpful and important to talk about what happened to Alex, to be open with others and to share with anyone who has questions and listen to anyone who needed an ear,” she said. “This is something we all can do and something we all must do.” Elizabeth’s wish for the class of 2017 included “much happiness, success and good mental health.”

Gail Asper, OC, OM, LLD, spoke of the challenge of creating the Canadian Museum of Human Rights calling on graduates to never quit when the going gets tough. “I encourage all of you to say yes when life presents you with interesting opportunities because you will not regret it,” she said explaining that when her father died suddenly she took up the charge to open the museum he’d started work on. “Be a lifter not a leaner. Lend a hand and strengthen a person or an organization. By helping them, you get stronger too. Whatever you do, adopt a reach for the stars attitude. Don’t settle for mediocrity.”

Rachel Witt, BSc (Science Communication), Salmon Arm, BC

Adrian Downey, Master of Arts in Education (Curriculum Studies), Halifax, NS

Janet Mills, BA (Hons), Lake Loon, NS

The President’s Prize, awarded to graduates whose generosity, energy and commitment enriches the university, was presented to:

Rachel Witt, BSc (Science Communication), Salmon Arm, BC

Amy Patricia Zwicker, BEd (Curriculum Studies), Halifax, NS
Meredith Bessey, BSc (Hons, Applied Human Nutrition), Halifax, NS

Membership to Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, is based on scholarship, leadership, and service, and was presented to:

Meredith Bessey, BSc (Hons, Applied Human Nutrition), Halifax, NS

Merly Prentt, MEd (Lifelong Learning), Barranquilla, Colombia

Maria Redden, BA (Hons, Psychology), Halifax, NS

Dr. Bohdan Luhovyy, Department of Applied Human Nutrition – President & Vice-President’s Advanced Teaching Award

Dr. Danielle Cox, Department of Mathematics – The Alumnae Early Career Teaching Award

David Wilson, Department of English – The Alumnae Part-Time Faculty Teaching Award

The Mount presented an Award for Research Excellence in recognition of a faculty member’s contribution to the research community and to the University’s research climate to:

Dr. Cherif Matta, Department of Chemistry and Physics

The Mount presented the Senate Award in Service in University Governance in recognition of a faculty member’s extensive, consistent, and valuable contributions to the academic governance of the University to:

Dr. Michelle Eskritt-Keck, Department of Psychology

The Mount conferred titles of recognition on four individuals for their significant contributions to the University:

Dr. Tony Davis, Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Dr. Susan Drain, Professor Emerita, Department of English

Dr. Allan Neilsen, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education

Dr. Lorri Neilsen, Professor Emerita, Faculty of Education

About Mount Saint Vincent University

As a leader in distance and experiential learning, and based on a strong tradition of social responsibility, Mount Saint Vincent University takes a personalized approach to education to nurture socially responsible global citizens. Founded in 1873, the Mount has been nationally recognized for having one of the lowest student-to-professor ratios, for providing students early access to valuable research opportunities, for its legacy in the advancement of women, and for facilitating critical advancements in food security, healthy aging, literacy, and childhood development.

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