51 st CONVOCATION 2015 Thunder Bay, Ontario CELEBRATING 50 YEARS The Arms of the University were granted by the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk, on June 20, 1959 The heraldic description is: Coat of Arms “Barry wavy of six Argent and Azure on a Chief Gules in front of a rising Sun issuant from the base of the Chief Or between two Candles enflamed proper each surmounted of an open Book also proper edged and bound Gold a Portcullis chained Sable” Crest “On a Wreath Or and Azure on Water Barry wavy Argent and Azure in front of a Rock growing therefrom a Pine Tree a Canoe paddled by an Indian Brave and Canadian Trapper.” Motto Ad augusta per angusta Achievement through effort about our Friday, May 29th, 2015 at 2pm Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences CEREMONIES Faculty of Medicine Saturday, May 30th, 2015 at 9:30am Faculty of Business Administration Faculty of Education Saturday, May 30th, 2015 at 2pm Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Natural Resources Management Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities WELCOME TO LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY’S 51ST CONVOCATION CELEBRATION! Convocation is a traditional ceremony during which the University University – the Chancellor, who presides at convocation, the President officially grants the degrees and diplomas earned by its students. and Vice-Chancellor and the Chair of the Board of Governors – The word “convocation” means “calling together.” It is a are all of the Oxford cut and trim. Each has its own distinctive ceremonial meeting of the entire University community. colour. The colourful gowns worn by the individuals who are receiving honorary degrees are of the same design as are the black gowns worn by the student candidates. Academic Regalia The ritual at convocation reflects the medieval custom that On Convocation Day, University members and their guests wear anyone in a university could wear a gown, but a hood was the special attire based on a tradition that dates back as long as symbol of a degree. Students who have met the University’s seven centuries ago. The academic costume, also referred to as academic requirements (three, four, five, six or seven years of academic “dress” or “regalia,” had its origins in the medieval study in particular subjects) wear the symbol of their status European universities. The regalia were devised to distinguish as holders of a Lakehead University degree. Lakehead University’s academic persons as doctors, licentiates, masters, and bachelors. bachelor’s and master’s degree hoods are distinguished by a one or two inch colour border which indicates the degree acquired There are many variations of academic dress. The hood, (i.e. white for Arts, gold for Science, blue for Education, gown, and in some cases the special hat worn by an indi- burgundy for Nursing, etc). vidual are determined by the style of the university where he or she receives a degree. The colourful gowns and hoods of the The Mace universities from across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other nations of the world are worn at During the processional and the recessional, the Marshal for Lakehead University today. convocation carries the Mace, a silver wand which is a traditional symbol of the University’s authority. This mace was given to The academic dress chosen by Lakehead University is fashioned the University by the Alumni Association in 1971. It bears after that of the University of Oxford, the oldest English-speaking the University’s motto “Ad augusta per angusta”, Achievement university in the world. The robes worn by the officers of the through Effort. CONVOCATION 2015 Lakehead University GREETINGS FROM THE CHANCELLOR I am delighted to welcome you, your families, and friends, as we celebrate your achievements at one of Canada’s most exceptional universities. For 50 years, Lakehead’s Convocation ceremonies have graduated people from all over the world and of all ages. Today celebrates the success of academic achievement, a major investment in whatever you choose to do in life. As we laud what you have accomplished at Lakehead, we look ahead to the next 50 years that you will make your own as proud, successful ambassadors of Lakehead University. I congratulate each of you and your families for all the effort and support that have made today a memorable moment to cherish. Best wishes, Dr. Derek H. Burney, O.C. Chancellor Lakehead University GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR Long before most of you began dreaming of what you might achieve, Lakehead University opened its doors and began opening minds like yours to possibilities. Fifty years later, over 55,000 Lakehead alumni around the world celebrate their achievements in their jobs, their hobbies, or families. While Convocation is a time to celebrate academic achievement, today I join your professors, families, and friends in celebrating you, your achievements, your next 50 years, and beyond. Everything you are and everything you learn shapes what you do, where you go, and who you are. You chose to push yourselves and test your resolve. You overcame per- sonal challenges, remained focused, and, today, you reap the reward of your determi- nation and commitment. I congratulate you all on what you have achieved as students at Lakehead University. As we celebrate all that you have done to get here, Convocation also marks the next step in your exceptional lives - an achievement preceding many more - and one that we celebrate, together. Congratulations, Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson President and Vice-Chancellor Lakehead University 4 Honorary DEGREES The University confers “honorary” degrees which symbolize the highest honour that can be conferred upon an individual by the University. An honorary degree may be awarded in recognition of scholarly or creative achievements or distinguished public service to the country or region. They are awarded to individuals who have been designated by the University’s Senate, its senior academic governing body, as deserving special honour. At Convocation, the degree is awarded honoris causa, or “for the sake of honour.” A hood is also given to the recipient and it may be worn to any academic affair. Recipients of these degrees become honorary alumni of the University and they may affix, after their names, the abbreviation of the degree. This year, Lakehead University is proud to honour the following exceptional individuals: MARGARET PHILLIPS Doctor of Letters Margaret Phillips is co-founder of the Northern Woman’s Bookstore and was a member of the Advisory Committee that created the Department of Women’s Studies at Lakehead University. In the 1970s, a vibrant feminist community evolved in Thunder Bay that provided women-centred services, advocacy and political action, but there was no literature being offered to meet its needs. That meant visiting larger cities to find the books that were missing in Thunder Bay. To provide access to feminist literature, Phillips founded the Northern Woman’s Bookstore in 1984 with the late Anna McColl. Now, writing circles, workshops, book clubs, and reading and social events make FRIDAY, MAY 29TH, 2015 the Northern Woman’s Bookstore a literary gem. 2pm Ceremony Phillips views the Bookstore as a service instead of a business. Its most important role is providing a safe space for women. It also provides lesbian literature and books on feminist analysis, violence and women’s history, as well as literary fiction, poetry and children’s books. A special emphasis is placed on Northwestern Ontario writers and Aboriginal authors. During most of her adult life, Phillips has worked for social justice – particularly with feminist issues and aboriginal rights. Since she began advocating for these issues, Phillips has seen modest improvements, but she feels society still has a long way to go to eliminate racism and sexism. She also worked in recreation. Her early work was, for a young woman at that time, pioneering. Phillips worked in municipal recreation in Renfrew, North Bay, Iroquois Falls and Kenora. This included the organization and administration of sports, cultural and adult education programs, and leadership development for youth and adults. Phillips received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from Lakehead University in 1980. She served as a Director on the Board of Inter Pares, an international development organization seeking change in the status of women worldwide, and as a Board member of the Canadian Council on Social Development. She was also the executive director of the Lakehead Social Planning Council from 1971 to 1981. In 2008, the Northwestern Ontario Writers’ Workshop honoured Phillips by presenting her with the Kouhi Award for her outstanding contributions to the literature of Northwestern Ontario. CONVOCATION 2015 Lakehead University MICHAEL RAPINO Doctor of Commerce Michael Rapino is a Lakehead alumnus who has become an icon within the music industry. Rapino was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation Entertainment in 2005 and led its transformation into the number one live music brand in the world with operations in more than 45 countries and annual revenue exceeding $6.5 billion. Before his career achieved such great heights, Rapino studied Business at Lakehead University and earned his Bachelor of Administration in 1989. After graduation, Rapino eventually became a Partner in Core Audience Entertainment, a leading concert promoter and entertainment marketing company in SATURDAY, MAY 30TH, 2015 Canada that was purchased by Clear Channel Entertainment. 9:30am Ceremony In 2005, Live Nation separated from Clear Channel to form its own company in Los Angeles. Since then, Rapino has made significant contributions to the advancement of the world’s music industry through his strong business acumen and willingness to be innovative. In an industry where CD sales plummeted due to digital piracy, Rapino knew that the need for live music would be the best way to market artists and their music.