BU students celebrate achievements at graduation
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/05/2010 (5699 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Proudly donning their purple caps and gowns, the Class of 2010 celebrated its academic achievements at Brandon University’s 99th convocation.
Two spring convocation ceremonies were held at Westman Place yesterday, where some 700 students made their way down the red carpet in front of a cheering crowd.
"Our time at university was much more than obtaining a degree," said Jill Norminton, a bachelor of nursing graduate and valedictorian at the morning ceremony.
Students learn valuable skills in adapting to, and embracing change, Norminton said, and had special thank-you messages to the professors, friends and family members.
"Thank you for believing in us," Norminton said.
Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, was an honorary degree recipient.
"I want to thank the university of Brandon for this honour," Fontaine said. "While you honour me as an individual … I see this as acceptance of aboriginal people."
Fontaine is a champion for facilitating change and advancement for First Nations people, and spoke of the progress he has seen over the years.
"We’ve evolved, we’ve progressed … It is a direct result of the kind of support we receive from post-secondary institutions," he said.
In 1952, Fontaine said there were 10 First Nations university students in the entire country. Now, there are close to 30 ,000 First Nations students.
But Fontaine said there is still a long way to go. Access to quality health care, decent housing, safe drinking water, poverty and alarming suicide rates are still issues facing aboriginal people.
"It remains a stain in our country," he said.
Fontaine encouraged the new graduates to engage in resolving these issues.
"That is the challenge I place before you in the most respectful and humble way possible," Fontaine said.
Humanitarian Stephen Lewis also received an honorary degree.
Joe Daniels was surrounded be friends following the ceremony. He received his degree in First Nations and aboriginal counselling.
"It’s been a long journey for me," he said.
"I’ve learnt a lot. I’m a residential school survivor, and this really helped my personal journey … and my personal healing. It’s opened a lot of different ways of thinking."
Look for the full list of graduates and award winners in an upcoming Community News Edition.