Nearly 1,000 students will walk across the stage Saturday during Brock University’s annual Fall Convocation ceremonies.
The morning ceremony at 10 a.m. will see students from the faculties of Mathematics and Science, Humanities and the Goodman School of Business graduate. The 2:30 p.m. ceremony will include students in the faculties of Education, Applied Health Sciences and Social Sciences.
Brock University Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo.
The morning ceremony will also see an historic moment for Brock University when aboriginal Canadian actress and filmmaker Shirley Cheechoo is installed as the institution’s eighth chancellor. She will be the first woman, and the first aboriginal Canadian to hold the ceremonial leadership role. She succeeds businessman and philanthropist Ned Goodman, who has been Brock’s Chancellor since 2007.
Cheechoo is a member of the Cree tribe and lives on Manitoulin Island, where she runs the Weengushk Film Institute for aboriginal youth.
During the installation ceremony, Cheechoo’s brother, First Nations elder Ben Cheechoo, will place a beaded crown on her head. This crown was handmade by Cheechoo’s late mother when Cheechoo became Canadian Native Princess, a title she still holds. It will then be adorned with an eagle’s feather, which only First Nations elders are allowed to touch before the ceremony.
Outgoing Chancellor Ned Goodman
Outgoing Chancellor Ned Goodman will also be honoured during the morning ceremony when he receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The Canadian mining and investment magnate served as Brock University’s Chancellor for eight years. The honorary degree is in recognition of Goodman’s distinguished career, as well as his ongoing philanthropic endeavours through the Goodman Family Foundation.
Brock University Fall Convocation
* Saturday, Oct. 17
* Ceremonies at 10 a.m and 2:30 p.m. in Ian Beddis Gymnasium
* 950 total graduates
* Shirley Cheechoo to be installed as Brock’s eighth Chancellor (10 a.m.)
* Ned Goodman to be honoured with Doctor of Laws degree (10 a.m.)
