UPEI grads encouraged to 'share knowledge humbly'

Graduates at the University of Prince Edward Islandconvocation Saturday were encouraged to share their knowledge when they step out into the world.

"Although you have worked very hard to gain your education, it is not yours alone," said UPEIpresident and vice-chancellor Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

"Your knowledge is to be shared and harnessed for the benefit of our community recognizing, of course, that our community is global. Share your knowledge humbly and respectfully. Higher learning and knowledge is not meant to set us apart it is meant to bring us together."

UPEI conferred degrees, diplomasand certificates to more than 940 graduates.

The group included the first international graduates 23 in totalfrom the university's new addition to itsMaster of Education Leadership in Learning program called Global Perspectives.

The Chinese graduates started with anEnglish Academic Preparation program, done in China. Then, after completing language and academic preparation in either Cape Breton or Toronto, they came to UPEI.

The university also conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to three recipients: Dr. Katherine Bick, a pioneer in the field of neurobiology and the study of Alzheimer's Disease; Dr. William Stanish, athlete, educator, researcherand a leader in the area of orthopaedic surgery; andRay Murphy, pharmacist, entrepreneurand community builder.

Stanish said graduates should not only apply what they learned in the classroom, but also the life lessons they learned in P.E.I.

"Do not forget this wonderful place," he said.

"This garden of the gulf, the birthplace of scholars, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Do not forget the friends you have gathered around you, wept withand shared many fun times over the last four years. Do not forget your lessons about living life with passion and purpose principles that will stand you in good stead forever."

Megan Larkin of Cavendish, who graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Tayte Willows of Halifax, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Science, were the valedictorians at the convocation.

Faculty members Martha Gabriel (Education) and Donna J. Giberson (Biology) received the title of Professor Emerita.

The Governor General's Gold Medal (graduate level) was awarded to Maria Forzan (AVC, Pathology and Microbiology). The Governor General's Silver Medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Megan George.

The H. Wade MacLauchlan Raised Expectations Graduation Medal went to Kyle Dutton, the Rory Beck Outstanding Academic and Athletic Leadership Award went to Maggie Grimmer, the Dr. J. Regis Duffy Academic Achievement Award went to Jonathan Horrocks, and the Ambrose Lee Award for Science went to Keegan Kirk.

UPEI held its annual Senior Class Awards at a ceremony on Friday.

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