MRU concludes Convocation week celebrating students, granting honorary doctorates and thanking first chancellor
Mount Royal University today concluded the time-honoured tradition of Convocation with six ceremonies over three days.
Mount Royal was proud to see more than 2,150 graduates complete their degrees and diplomas over the 2203/24 academic year — one of the largest graduating classes ever. Mount Royal’s newest alumni were joined by their supportive friends and family and cheered on by the faculty members and employees who were all a part of their academic journey. Crossing the stage during the ceremonies were more than 1,550 former students, all of whom join the MRU alumni family more than 115,000 strong.
“Today is the formal marker of the end of your academic program, but many of us who have been in your same position know the truth, and that is once you start down the path of education, it never truly ends,” MRU president and vice-chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD, told graduates. “The hallmark of a university education is that it opens one door, and then another, and another, until you look back in disbelief at how far you’ve travelled.”
Each Convocation ceremony was officially declared assembled for the granting of degrees by MRU’s first chancellor, Dawn Farrell, a long-time leader in the energy industry whose four-year term ends this year. On Friday, Rahilly thanked her for all she has given the University before presenting her with a Cougars jersey and flowers.
“I have had a front row seat to the many ways you have enriched our community,” Rahilly said. “On behalf of Mount Royal University, it is my honour to say thank you and congratulate you on your success in this position and look forward to everything that is ahead of you.”
The ceremonies also honoured Centennial Gold Medal recipients, professors emeriti, and granted honorary doctorates to seven individuals who have achieved greatness in their fields and given back to their communities. They included:
- Gord Gillies, news anchor, radio host and mental health advocate with deep ties to Mount Royal
- Eleanor Chiu, CFO of Trico Group and fervent advocate for community building
- Wayne Chiu, founder of Trico Group and champion of social entrepreneurship and innovation
- Charles Osuji, one of Canada’s most recognized legal entrepreneurs
- Roy Bear Chief, social worker, residential school survivor, and Siksika Nation elder
- Ron Ghitter, known for work as lawyer, provincial politician, senator and human rights advocate
- Lois Mitchell, former Alberta Lieutenant Governor, volunteer and philanthropist
Read more about Mount Royal University’s Convocation and honorary degree recipients
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