Fall Convocation: A Snapshot Of The Graduating Class

Fall convocation ceremonies next week at the University of Victoria will close an important chapter in the lives of more than 1,200 recipients of degrees, diplomas or certificates.

The ceremonies will be webcast live at www.uvic.ca/resources/convocation/.

Here are introductions to some of the graduating students and their UVic experiences:

Rhiannon Pretty, Bachelor of Science (Biology), joined an Arctic research expedition, part of an international initiative called Distributed Biological Observatory. The DBO monitors changing conditions in the north Bering Sea.

Jan Clark, Master of Laws (Law and Society), is a lifelong learner whose career and education paths include prior degrees in law, soil science, and 20 years as a natural resources lawyer. An interest in the early history of the common law brought her to UVic to study the ecclesiastical and secular courts of the Middle Ages.

Connor Gaston, BA (Writing), is primarily a writer but his short films have already gained plaudits. Bardo Light appeared at both Montréal’s Festival des Films du Monde and the Toronto International Film Festival; another – Stuck – will debut at the Whistler Film Festival.

Liam Mitchell, PhD (Political Science), studied three popular social media sites and concluded “social media is both the cause of, and solution to, boredom.” He also argues that boredom leads to a prevailing worldview he calls a “preoccupation with preoccupation.”

Hui Zhang, PhD (Engineering), made significant inroads in mechatronics, requiring expertise in mechanical, control and electrical systems plus software engineering. He has published 14 journal articles and received the China Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed PhD Students Abroad (one of 500).

Michael Traverse, BCom (Business), was co-director of the Commerce Students Society’s Sustainability Club, running the successful Carrotmob – a “buycott” to help a local business (Sauce restaurant) get greener, among other activities.

Jennifer Coverdale, MA (Counselling Psychology), took on extra coursework in order to produce research supporting the need for the improved services that her fellow members of the Métis Nation are demanding.

Fall convocation ceremonies are on Nov. 13 and 14 at 10 a.m and 2:30 p.m. in the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium. The schedule is available online.

Included in the ceremonies will be the previously announced presentations of honorary degrees to former BC Lieutenant Governor Steven L. Point and Mrs. Gwendolyn Point, journalist/historian Dave Obee and scientist Naomi Halas.

Note: Members of the media are welcome to attend all UVic Convocation Ceremonies. An audio feed is available. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of a ceremony.
 

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