WOLFVILLE, NS - A former prime minister, a minister, an oceanography professor, a Mi’kmaq elder, a former lieutenant governor and a former professional golfer will receive honorary degrees later this month as Acadia holds its convocation ceremonies.
Kim Campbell, a former Canadian prime minister, federal cabinet minister and diplomat, will receive a Doctor of Civil Laws degree and be the guest speaker at the May 13 Faculty of Theology and Faculty of Arts convocation ceremony on May 13 at 3 p.m. Rev. Dr. David Watt, a long-serving Baptist minister and retired member of the Acadia Divinity College, will also be presented with a Doctor of Divinity at the ceremony.
The following day, Dr. Robert Fournier – a retired professor of Oceanography, former associate vice-president for research at Dalhousie University and renowned public commentator of science and research –will be the guest speaker at the ceremony for the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science on may 14 at 10 a.m., where he will receive a Doctor of Science degree. Acadia will also honour Elder Albert Marshall with a Doctor of Humanities at the ceremony. Marshall is a Mi’kmaq elder in the community of Eskasoni and acknowledged voice of the Mi’kmaw on environmental issues affecting land, forests and fisheries.
At the 2:30 p.m. service on May 14 for the Faculty of Professional Studies, golfer Lorie Kane will be the guest speaker. Kane is one of Canada’s most admired athletes, a former professional golfer with four LPGA Tour victories and a passionate humanitarian.
Acadia will also convey a Doctor of Civil Laws to Mayann Francis, the former lieutenant governor and ombudsman of Nova Scotia, and strong advocate of equality, inclusiveness, and human rights, during the ceremony.
More than 800 graduates from Acadia’s four faculties – arts, pure and applied science, professional studies and theology – will receive undergraduate and graduate diplomas during the three ceremonies.
New chancellor
Acadia’s 2018 convocation will be the final time outgoing Chancellor Dr. Libby Burnham (’60) presides over the university’s degree-granting ceremonies and greets students on stage. Her term will end when incoming Chancellor Dr. Bruce Galloway is installed during the May 14 convocation for graduates of the Faculty of Professional Studies.
"I am truly looking forward to my first Convocation at Acadia,” said president and vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts. “In my first year at Acadia, I have come to know many of our graduating students and Convocation ceremonies truly are an opportunity to celebrate hard work and success. At Acadia, we know that the efforts expended by our students to reach this point are really just the foundation for so much more that they will go on to achieve during their lifetime. Our honorary degree recipients exemplify in every way how each of us can use our background and experience to make significant and meaningful contributions to our communities, our country, and to the world.”
Ricketts also thanked Burnham for her service to Acadia.
“She is a remarkable and relentless champion for Acadia who, alongside Chancellor Emeritus Arthur Irving, helps set the standard for ongoing alumni participation and support,” he said. “At the same time, I would like to welcome Dr. Bruce Galloway as he begins his term as chancellor, bringing his enthusiasm and passion for Acadia to this important role on our campus.”
A Baccalaureate service is also set for May 13, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Did you know?
The ceremonies will be live-streamed online at https://convocation.acadiau.ca/home.html
