Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers, received an honorary doctorate from Brock. Also pictured is Larry Savage, associate professor, Centre for Labour Studies (left), and Chancellor Ned Goodman.

At Thursday’s two Convocation ceremonies for the Faculty of Social Sciences, more than 900 Brock students received their degrees and certificates from the University. Thursday’s ceremonies marked the third day of this week’s five-day Convocation celebrations.

Brock Chancellor Ned Goodman made his first Convocation appearance of the week welcoming guests and their families.

Sir Hilary Beckles (second from left) received an honorary doctorate from Brock. Also pictured is Bernaz Mirzai, associate professor, Department of History (left), Jack Lightstone (second from right), and Chancellor Ned Goodman.

“As the Chancellor of the University, I take this moment to congratulate all of the graduates, all of the graduands,” said Goodman. “This is a special day. You’ve worked hard and you’re going to receive some recognition of the hard work you’ve put in.”

John Suk, vice-chair and chair elect of Brock’s Board of Trustees, presented Social Sciences Spirit of Brock medals to Shirin Makhkamova (undergraduate) and Amanda Bolger (graduate).

In presenting these honours, Suk noted, “the Board of Trustees recognizes the commitment you’ve made, the dedication and sacrifice that it takes to become a graduate of Brock, and joins you in celebrating your success.”

At Thursday’s morning ceremony, an honorary degree was presented to Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers, who also delivered this morning’s Convocation address.

At the outset of his speech, Gerard encouraged students to stand and recognize those who have supported them during their educational pursuits. “Please give your parents and supporters a big hand,” he said.

Gerard’s talk addressed the role that “values” play in charting one’s future path in life.

“As you go out into the world after you get your degree and you feel the sense of relief, you’re not a hundred per cent sure what path your life will take you down,” he said. “But I do want you to encourage you to stay idealistic. I do want to encourage you to think that your education has given you the tools to build a better world. We can’t just sit back and let things happen. We’ve got to fight for the values that we hold dear.”

John Suk, vice-chair and chair elect of Brock’s Board of Trustees, presented Social Sciences Spirit of Brock medals to Shirin Makhkamova (undergraduate; left) and Amanda Bolger (graduate).

“It’s important that as you leave here today,” he said, “you check your values and you make sure they’re the values that commit you in whatever path life takes you down that you will build a better world for the next generation.”

At today’s afternoon ceremony, an honorary degree was also presented to Sir Hilary Beckles, professor and pro-vice chancellor and principal of the University of the West Indies.

The opening of his address to the graduating class reflected upon Brock and it’s history.

“I am happy to be here with you at the onset of your fiftieth year to wish this fine University, to wish the faculty, the leaders, the students and you the graduates all the very best,” he said, “and to assure you that we the graduates of today will now recognize that we have a life-long commitment to this, our alma matter.”

Prof. Fran Owen (right) was presented with the Social Sciences 2014 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching by Ingrid Makus, acting dean, Faculty of Social Sciences.

Beckles then went to share his views on life’s “unforeseen options” and “crossroads.”

“I wish to say to you, as you plan your trajectory and determine your own destiny, leave a little space in your life for the unforeseen option,” he said. “I am a historian of Africa, and in Africa there is a god whose name is Legba. And Legba is the god of the crossroads and you will always be at the crossroads, and how to choose?”

“How to choose is not a science, is not an art,” he said. “Follow your spirit.”

At Thursday’s afternoon ceremony, Prof. Fran Owen, Department of Child and Youth Studies/Applied Disability Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, was presented with the 2014 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Social Sciences Dean’s medals were also presented to Carolyn Elizabeth Blank (Honours) and Michael Denson (Pass).

This week’s four remaining Convocation ceremonies will proceed as follows:

Friday, June 6, 10 a.m. – Faculty of Applied Health Sciences; Faculty of Mathematics and Science

• Professor Joffre Mercier, Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, will be presented with the 2014 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, and will deliver the Convocation address
• Yin Xu, an MSc student in mathematics and statistics, will be presented with the Governor General’s Gold Medal, awarded to the student who achieves the highest academic standing at the graduate level
• Applied Health Sciences Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medal winner: Hayley Morrison (graduate)
• Mathematics and Science Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medal winner: Kristin Schaven (graduate)
• Applied Health Sciences Dean’s Medals: Mark Levitan (Honours) and Gaibrie Stephen (Pass)
• Mathematics and Science Dean’s Medals: Tyler Jordan Plyley (Pass)

Friday, June 6, 2 p.m. – Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

• Professor Mary Breunig, Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, will be presented with the 2014 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, and will deliver the Convocation address
• Business Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medal winner: Shuoqian (Athena) Gao (graduate)

Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. – Goodman School of Business

• Professor Tejaswini (Teju) Herath, Department of Finance, Operations & Information Systems, Goodman School of Business, will be presented with the 2014 Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, and will deliver the Convocation address

Saturday, June 7, 2 p.m. – Goodman School of Business

• John Zoccoli, Brock’s 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient will deliver the Convocation address
• Business Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medal winner: Erik Robert Christian Gunn (undergraduate)
• Business Dean’s Medal: Jordan Raymond Menchella