Graduates celebrating the successful completion of studies at UPEI were told much is expected of them going forward.
University president Alaa Abd-El-Aziz told the robed gathering to never underestimate what they have to contribute.
“You are caretakers of each other, our environment, our animals and our society,’’ he said.
“Your education is your foundation for reaching your full potential.’’
Retired senator and former P.E.I. premier Catherine Callbeck also focused on the high expectations being placed on the graduates.
She cautioned the morning portion of the Class of 2015 not to be bystanders.
“We all share a common responsibility to public service and volunteerism – to give back to our community,’’ she said.
Callbeck observed disengagement with the democratic political process continues to be a challenge.
“Nowhere is that more apparent than among young people,’’ she said.
“Many Canadians and certainly our youth have little time for narrow partisanship, mean-spirited debate and one-upmanship.’’
She told the graduates they need to get involved and be part of the solution.
“I present to you with a lifelong challenge,’’ she said.
“That is to act the same as those unselfish, giving, community-motivated citizens who helped you along the way.’’
Callbeck, along with P.E.I. singer/songwriter Lennie Gallant, were conferred with honorary degrees during the morning convocation.
Ryan McCarvill, graduate of the business administration program, brought some levity to the morning proceedings in his valedictorian address.
“It’s been a long road full of blood, sweat and a few beers,’’ he said, donning sunglasses to deliver his speech.
McCarvill, though, was quick to extend on behalf of his fellow graduates gratitude to the many people that helped the students through their years of study.
“We thank our parents, siblings, grandparents, and all members of our families for their love, support and that little nudge out the door,’’ he said.
“We thank the staff and faculty of UPEI for their guidance and teaching…we are graduating here today because of outstanding community support and belief in this institution.’’
Pat Mella, leader of the PC Party from 1990 to 1996, will speak at the afternoon convocation.
Mella and Father Charlie Cheverie, former university teacher and researcher, will both be conferred with honorary degrees.
More than 900 students are being awarded degrees and diplomas today.
Graduates celebrating the successful completion of studies at UPEI were told much is expected of them going forward.
University president Alaa Abd-El-Aziz told the robed gathering to never underestimate what they have to contribute.
“You are caretakers of each other, our environment, our animals and our society,’’ he said.
“Your education is your foundation for reaching your full potential.’’
Retired senator and former P.E.I. premier Catherine Callbeck also focused on the high expectations being placed on the graduates.
She cautioned the morning portion of the Class of 2015 not to be bystanders.
“We all share a common responsibility to public service and volunteerism – to give back to our community,’’ she said.
Callbeck observed disengagement with the democratic political process continues to be a challenge.
“Nowhere is that more apparent than among young people,’’ she said.
“Many Canadians and certainly our youth have little time for narrow partisanship, mean-spirited debate and one-upmanship.’’
She told the graduates they need to get involved and be part of the solution.
“I present to you with a lifelong challenge,’’ she said.
“That is to act the same as those unselfish, giving, community-motivated citizens who helped you along the way.’’
Callbeck, along with P.E.I. singer/songwriter Lennie Gallant, were conferred with honorary degrees during the morning convocation.
Ryan McCarvill, graduate of the business administration program, brought some levity to the morning proceedings in his valedictorian address.
“It’s been a long road full of blood, sweat and a few beers,’’ he said, donning sunglasses to deliver his speech.
McCarvill, though, was quick to extend on behalf of his fellow graduates gratitude to the many people that helped the students through their years of study.
“We thank our parents, siblings, grandparents, and all members of our families for their love, support and that little nudge out the door,’’ he said.
“We thank the staff and faculty of UPEI for their guidance and teaching…we are graduating here today because of outstanding community support and belief in this institution.’’
Pat Mella, leader of the PC Party from 1990 to 1996, will speak at the afternoon convocation.
Mella and Father Charlie Cheverie, former university teacher and researcher, will both be conferred with honorary degrees.
More than 900 students are being awarded degrees and diplomas today.
