I applaud the recent article on Donna Peterson and the tradition of convocation at Western (“Running the show,” June 9). Despite the immense growth of Western’s student body, the qualities that have made Western’s convocations something of a model for universities across Canada persist. Donna and her colleagues, following in the footsteps of those memorable stalwarts who established this premier tradition, deserve the credit the article affords them, for maintaining the quality, majesty and warmth of these ceremonies.
Participating in a great many convocations over more than three decades, as faculty member and dean, I had the opportunity to interact closely with countless students, parents and honorary degree recipients, all of whom were full of praise for Western’s exemplary efforts. To this day I meet former students who recall the brief but warm interchanges I had with them as pro-chancellor.
Many things have changed at Western, for better and for worse, since I arrived more than 40 years ago. Happily the glories of convocation are as rich as ever. Long may they reign.
Thomas N. Guinsburg
Professor emeritus