F R I D A Y, O C T O B E R 2 0 , 2 0 1 7
convocation
REGINA LEADER-POST
B7
sponsored by the university of regina
The University of Regina’s 44th Fall Convocation is the largest Fall Convocation in the institution’s history; 758 students will accept their degrees, diplomas or certificates. U of R P hot ogR aP hy
University of Regina fall Convocation a celebration of diversity by Joanne Paulson Postmedia Content Works
The University of Regina is not just growing in student numbers. It is also becoming increasingly reflective of the wider community it serves. For the seventh consecutive year, the University of Regina’s fall enrolment has increased – by 2.9 per cent in 2017 over 2016. As of the first day of classes, the campus was 15,267 students strong. Equally important to President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons is the diversity of that ever-growing and changing group. Attracting growing numbers of Indigenous students, graduate students, as well as students from around the world and an increasing number of students with disabilities, the University of Regina is fast becoming a diverse, inclusive campus community where everyone can feel at home. Inclusivity and diversity will be celebrated at the University of Regina’s upcoming fall Convocation, where 758 students will accept their degrees, diplomas or certificates. This is the University’s 44th Fall Convocation, the largest Fall Convocation in the institution’s history. The event is being held today (Oct. 20) at the Conexus Arts Centre and will celebrate the changing face of Regina and its university. “Education as a way to combat intolerance will be the theme running through my remarks to the graduands and their families,” said Timmons. “Universities are not perfect, but, in my view they are the best means we have of educating young people – our future leaders – who need the understanding and skills to embrace diversity, and overcome prejudice and intolerance. “It’s timely with what has happened in Charlottesville, Virginia, and what’s going on around the world,” she added. “Intolerance is happening here, too; it’s just not as blatant. It’s so important to talk about it.” A stronger, more inclusive student body has far-reaching effects beyond the university and its stu-
4 4 t h fa l l C o n v o C at i o n oCtobeR 20, 2017 Conexus Arts Centre (Main Theatre) 2:00 p.m.
(One ceremony for all faculties and federated colleges)
dents, Timmons said. Diversity on the University of Regina campus brings with it fresh perspectives, as well as creating positive ripple effects for Regina and surrounding areas. “We know that the better educated a community is, the better quality of life for all of its people – from an economic point of view, and also because engaged citizens help to create more dynamic, robust, and healthy communities,” said Timmons. “Having students who can offer different perspectives on our world helps us become a more tolerant, interesting, diverse community,” she shared. Diversity in the student body has not come by accident. The University of Regina has engaged in specific recruitment focused on inclusion. “We invested in support for students with disabilities because we need to have their voices on campus. Based on the ‘build it and they will come’ principle, we’ve seen a corresponding increase in enrolment,” she gave as an example. “We’ve also seen an increase in students enrolling in our Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance. Again, we’ve been very strategic about recruitment in that area. “In the Faculty of Science, we’ve seen a 15 per cent increase in enrolment. Our science faculty do a fabulous job and it’s starting to show with a number of students specifically choosing the University of Regina in order to study with our amazing professors.” Work is ongoing in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and the Faculty of Arts, says Timmons. “Social sciences and humanities all over the country are seeing
FA S T FA C T S : 758 eligible graduands 18 students are being awarded more than one degree, diploma or
certificate.
776 total degrees, diplomas, and certificates are being awarded. 696 grads are from the University of Regina, 12 are from Campion
College, 40 are from the First Nations University of Canada, and 10 are from Luther College. Of the
758 graduating, 551 say they are attending the ceremony.
The University of Regina, with campuses located on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, is a comprehensive, mid-sized university that traces its roots back to the creation of Regina College in 1911. The University academic departments/schools, is home to 10 faculties research centres and institutes, and three federated colleges.
, 25
18
The University of Regina is fast becoming a diverse, inclusive campus community. U of R P hot ogR aP hy
a decline in enrolments. That’s such a valuable part of the university and it’s just such a powerful degree. That’s not just us talking; employers tell us that what they’re interested in is what liberal arts programs provide – a broadbased understanding of world issues, good writing skills, and solid analytical skills. They can provide industry-specific training as long as they have well-rounded candidates with the ability to think critically.” The University’s focus on diversity and inclusion extends to the individual who will receive an honorary doctorate at the October 20 convocation ceremonies. Murad Al-Katib, founder and president of AGT Ingredients and Foods and often called “the lentil king,” will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. Al-Katib was recently honoured for his work with two
prestigious global awards, the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year and the Oslo Business Prize for Peace. Al-Katib has recently been announced as a recipient of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, an award he will receive in November 2017. “Mr. Al-Katib is being honoured not only for his work as a businessperson, but also as a humanitarian who has shown that Saskatchewan has a great deal to contribute to the world,” said Timmons. “He believes in humane entrepreneurship. That fits so nicely with the theme of Convocation; there’s a real alignment there. “He‘s down to earth and lives in Regina, he’s a supporter of the community – giving back locally and globally – and he’s well-deserving. His story is compelling – how he started, and how tough it was. He quit his job and started to work
out of his basement; his wife was pregnant with twins. It’s one of those great Canadian success stories.” The President’s Medal, given to a student receiving their first degree who best exemplifies the combination of academic studies with leadership qualities, will be presented to Cyrena Cherise Lockert. Cyrena will graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Timmons said she is proud of the student, faculty, and staff achievement taking place at the University of Regina and is excited about what the future holds. “There’s so much positive energy on campus. In May, we’ll be hosting the largest-ever conference to come to Regina – Congress (of the Humanities and Social Sciences). The CIS basketball championship is coming here in March. The campus is humming with activity and positivity.”
the University of regina
facUlty of arts proUdly congratUlates each of its
U of R graduates – here’s a reward for your hard work! With the Alumni Perks Pass you can start saving on food, fashion, entertainment and more including:
✤ ✤ ✤
Celebrate at Beer Bros. Gastropub and get 15% off your food purchases! Experience the latest trend with friends – Lumberjax Axe Throwing (6 get in for 5) Assert your style with 15% off regular priced items at Coda Clothing and Cade Style Lounge!
Fall 2017 graduates Thank you for letting us be part of your life’s journey. We know that you will use all the skills and creativity you’ve acquired during your study of the liberal arts to excel in whatever you choose to do next! Where Will the arts taKe yoU? | Uregina.ca/arts
Sign up now for a chance to win $250 at
www.uofralumniperks.ca!
THIS SECTION WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT STUDIO. REG00260494_1_1
thinK Big. choose arts.
REG00260303_1_1