JUNE 22 | 2020 CONVOCATION THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY CONTENTS Chancellor’s message ..............................................................................................................................4 President’s message .................................................................................................................................5 Coat of Arms ...............................................................................................................................................6 The Flag of TRU ..........................................................................................................................................6 Ceremonial Mace ......................................................................................................................................7 Traditional Secwépemc territory ........................................................................................................8 Academic Procession .............................................................................................................................11 Medals .........................................................................................................................................................12 Music ............................................................................................................................................................13 Honorary Degree Recipients ..............................................................................................................14 KAMLOOPS CONVOCATION Valedictorian, Aaron Coxworth, Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism ...............................................................................................................................................16 Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism | Graduands ................................ 16-17 Valedictorian, Savanah Margaret Cockrell, Faculty of Arts ....................................................18 Faculty of Arts | Graduands ....................................................................................................18-20 Valedictorian, Kennedy Aberdeen, School of Business and Economics ..........................21 School of Business and Economics | Graduands ..........................................................21-26 Valedictorian, Jaden Stefanyk, Faculty of Education and Social Work ..............................27 Faculty of Education and Social Work | Graduands ..................................................... 27-30 Valedictorian, Arjun Singh Hair, Faculty of Law ..........................................................................31 Faculty of Law | Graduands ....................................................................................................31-32 Valedictorian, Michael Anthony Cundari, School of Nursing ............................................... 33 School of Nursing | Graduands ............................................................................................33-34 Valedictorian, Oluwafemi Francis Ogunyemi, Faculty of Science ...................................... 35 Faculty of Science | Graduands ...........................................................................................35-38 Valedictorian, Ginger Powell, School of Trades and Technology ........................................ 39 School of Trades and Technology | Graduands .............................................................39-40 WILLIAMS LAKE COMMENCEMENT Valedictorian, Harmony Bercar .................................................................................................. 42 Faculties and Schools | Graduands ....................................................................................42-44 Foundation ................................................................................................................................................ 45 Alumni for Life..........................................................................................................................................46 2020 SPRING CONVOCATION 3 CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE Congratulations, graduates. on new careers and new experiences, on further scholarship and grand adventures. You’ve worked Now is your time to reflect on all you’ve achieved hard. As you prepare for the next stage, take a during your time at Thompson Rivers University, moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, and where and to celebrate your accomplishments with family you want to go next. Pursue your passions. Commit to and friends. lifelong learning. TRU, in our response to the COVID-19, has made Thompson Rivers University is your alma mater, and significant changes to many areas of operations. I will remain a place of engagement, of learning, and of am therefore pleased to recognize your graduation connection, regardless of where your journey takes virtually. As a graduate, you will take the diversity of you. You are a member of the TRU family. Stay in touch. opinion and ideas sparked by your education at TRU Again, congratulations. I wish you continued health to your workplace, to your community and to your and accomplishment. country. Be mindful of the skills and knowledge you’ve achieved and the values you share with the world—it will influence the people around you. This year at TRU we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. It is with pride that we can hold you up to show the world that TRU, as well, is accomplishing its Chancellor educational goals. Many of you will be embarking Nathan Matthew Nathan Matthew is TRU’s third chancellor. He is from the Simpcw First Nation, an alumnus of the University of British Columbia, and a highly-regarded educator and advocate for Aboriginal education. 4 THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Greetings, graduates of 2020! Together with friends and family, faculty and staff, I wish that we were able to celebrate with you in person. In the midst of unprecedented times in the face of COVID-19, how we celebrate life’s milestones has changed around the world. However, this challenging period does not diminish this significant achievement in your life—one which opens the door to a wealth of opportunities. When you made the choice to enrol at TRU, you chose to take control of your future. With determination and the support of family, friends, faculty and staff, you have gained knowledge and skills in your area of study and have found your path to success. You also became part of the TRU family. You made friends, some that will last your lifetime. I encourage you to stay in touch with your alma mater, and continue to build meaningful and lifelong connections with TRU alumni. Along with the celebration of your academic and professional milestones, we also celebrate a milestone for Thompson Rivers University: 50 years as a post- secondary institution transforming the lives of students. As part of TRU’s 2020 graduating class, you represent a proud history and a promising future. You have completed your educational journey at TRU in incredibly unusual times, despite many unexpected challenges. In doing so, you demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and perseverance. As you step into the next stage of your life, maintain that ability to work through challenges and continue to be inquisitive, caring and open to others. These characteristics have been important during your time at TRU and will serve you well on your journey ahead. Congratulations, graduates! It is an honour on behalf of TRU to wish you continued success. Brett Fairbairn is TRU’s fourth president and vice- chancellor. An alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Oxford, Brett spent 30 years at the Brett Fairbairn University of Saskatchewan in teaching and leadership President and Vice-Chancellor positions before arriving at TRU in December 2018. He is a passionate advocate for students and higher education. 2020 SPRING CONVOCATION 5 COAT OF ARMS Granted by Robert Douglas Watt, fish as food and for recreation in their farming and ranching in the region— Chief Herald of Canada, on April 1, communities and the community past and present. Their sage collars 2005, and entered in Volume IV, page at large. The black bear represents reflect the distinct landscape. The 451 of the Public Register of Arms, strength, power and determination, collar medallions feature open books Flags and Badges of Canada. important qualities for TRU’s and echo the motif of the active Arms: The blue field refers to the success. The mythical winged bear pursuit of knowledge. The mare brilliant skies, lakes and rivers that is a reference to migratory birds, and stallion stand on the natural envelop the region where Thompson suggesting perpetual striving for environment surrounding Rivers University is located. The wavy excellence across all faculties the university. circle around the sun stands for the and programs. Original concept: Robert D. Watt, sacred circle of life and the never- Motto: T7ETSXEMÍNTE RE Chief Herald of Canada, assisted ending character of learning. STSELXMÉM means “to strive ahead” by the Heralds of Canadian It also recalls that TRU is located near in Secwepemctsín. It is TRU’s motto, Heraldic Authority. the junction of several vital water indicating the journey of learning is Painter: Linda Nicholson sources. The sun symbolizes light enduring and unremitting. Calligrapher: Shirley Mangione and learning, a principal endeavour Supporters: The mare and stallion behind academic institutions. symbolize grace, power and