The first of eight convocation ceremonies kicked off today at Brock

At Tuesday’s (June 11) convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Humanities – the first of eight ceremonies this week – more than 500 graduates were presented with their degrees and certificates from the University.

Brock President and Vice-Chancellor Jack Lightstone opened the day with welcoming remarks for the packed Ian D. Beddis gymnasium.

“We share in the pride that your family and friends have of you, and of the pride that you should have in yourselves and we wish you well,” said Lightstone.

“It is a truism, perhaps even a cliché, to say that during your studies you have learned a lot, and that you will have been prepared for a life of learning,” he said. “But what does that mean in an age where almost any alleged fact can be sought on the Internet freely and instantaneously?”

“There is a higher sense to a life of learning through education,” he added. “And that is one that demonstrates the capacities of critical, analytical and synthetic judgment and discernment that leads to insight and creativity, innovation and engagement in everything that you do, whether it is in your professional, personal, family or community life with others.”

“These traits must ground your intellectual, your social, your moral capacity throughout your lives. Simply rehearsing or seeking facts that you have learned here or that you will learn elsewhere, simply does not cut it, in my view. You are all capable of more, much more, and you must always exercise that capacity to do more.”

“And remember,” said Lightstone. “Whatever the circumstances, whether they be lean years or years of plenty, the traits of mind that are the hallmark of a University education cannot be taken away from you so long as you use them.”

Joe Robertson, Chair of the Brock Board of Trustees, presented Humanities Spirit of Brock medals to Brittany Stewart (undergraduate) and Alison Innes (graduate).

(From left) Joe Robertson, Chair of the Brock Board of Trustees, and Spirit of Brock medalists Alison Innes (graduate) and Brittany Stewart (undergraduate)

“The Board of Trustees recognizes the commitment, dedication and sacrifice that it takes to become a graduate of Brock University,” said Robertson. “We take great pride in your achievements and share with you and your family in the celebration of your success.”

At today’s ceremony, Professor Michael Carter, Department of Classics, Faculty of Humanities, was presented with the 2013 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Carter also delivered the day’s convocation address.

“Despite its rapid growth in the past several years, Brock has always been a student-centred institution,” said Carter.

Professor Michael Carter delivering today's Convocation address

“A community of learners and teachers, you have been at the very centre of all that matters here, part of an inseparable web, a nexus, of research-teaching-learning-creativity. Prioritize any single one of those and the others all wither and fade.”

“This is a special place,” he said. “You will be asked about your intention to continue the pursuit of learning and truth, words that are so overused out there in the media on the internet that they seem to carry little meaning anymore. Well they mean something here.”

Humanities Dean’s Medals were also presented to Jacinta Peel and Adrianna Polito.