Watch Convocation Live
Visit the Convocation 2022 page to livestream Convocation ceremonies and download the virtual program.
Western News is celebrating this year’s graduating Class of 2022 by sharing some of their stories and covering this milestone moment.
In-person convocation returns to Western
In-person convocation returns with a series of ceremonies June 13 to 24 celebrating the Class of 2022. Approximately 8,000 students are graduating this spring, joining approximately 330,000 Western alumni in 160 countries. Graduates from 2020 and 2021 who had virtual celebrations due to COVID-19 restrictions have the opportunity to attend in-person ceremonies on campus July 4 to 8 or at a future convocation.
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For the first time since the pandemic, Western graduates are convocating and celebrating their achievements in person this spring. (Western Communications file photo)
Astronaut launches grads to next, new adventures
He carried a piece of Western into space and landed it safely home again. And now, Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques will help launch new graduates into the next stages of their lives. Saint-Jacques spoke inspiration to some of the newest Western graduates on June 14 as he received his honorary doctorate. Read more.
Astronaut Dr. David Saint-Jacques celebrates future moon exploration in this photo from 2019. He receives an honorary doctorate from Western in June 2022. (Canadian Space Agency photo)
Triple-threat law grad to advocate for marginalized communities
Rahul Supra graduates this spring with a triple degree – law, science and business administration – and is inspired by the immense power of the law and its potential to do good in the world, “I would like to be remembered as someone who used that power for good, and shaped a better, more equitable, more inclusive community using the law.” Read more.
Rahul Sapra graduates with a degree in law, science and business. (Submitted photo)
War journalist Sally Armstrong says youth bring hope for change
Sally Armstrong has reported from war zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and more. She has written stories, books and documentaries about women, who otherwise would have been the ignored casualties of conflict or the overlooked heroes of making peace. The human rights activist, journalist, documentary-maker, teacher, editor and author received an honorary doctorate from Western on June 14 and, in her address to students, challenged youth to change the world. Read more.
Journalist/humanitarian Sally Armstrong receives an honorary doctorate from Western on June 14, 2022. (photo, Peter Bregg, sallyarmstrong.ca)
Dion Stout: Reconciliation ‘new arena of struggle’ for Canadians
When Madeleine Kētēskwew Dion Stout was just seven years old, she developed an acute case of appendicitis. It marked a pivotal moment for the young Cree girl born on the Kehewin First Nation, Alta. “The nurse who took me off the stretcher and put me on the operating table was the most gentle, lovely, freckled-face being …Twelve years later, I was in nursing school,” said Dion Stout, who receives an honorary doctorate from Western on June 13. Read more.
Western University honorary degree recipient Madeleine Dion Stout addresses guests at the dedication of a stained glass window in parliament commemorating the legacy of residential schools. (flickr/Government of Canada)
Science grad and rugby player makes pitch for other student-athletes
Cailyn McKay entered Western to study medical sciences, then discovered she liked chemistry and biology far more than she liked biochemistry. So she decided to go for a double major in what she enjoyed most. Four years later, McKay is set to mark the completion of one chapter and start another as she continues her passion for learning and research – and another turn around the rugby pitch. Read more.
Cailyn McKay graduates with lasting memories of her science studies and rugby teammates. (Mari-Len de Guzman, Western Communications)
Medical science grad a lover of language
Don’t let the title of George Wang’s podcast fool you. He’s anything but Young and Foolish. Wang’s more of an old and wise soul. Wang, who earned his bachelor of medical science (honours specialization and biochemistry and cell biology), as well as a major in Italian language and culture, is one of approximately 8,000 students graduating this spring.
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George Wang graduates this spring with a bachelor of medical sciences. (Submitted photo)
Conducting a rewarding student experience
Tyrese Walters has a soft spot for musical theatre. And alt-rock and indy music. Marching bands, too. But during his four years at Western, he discovered his heart is in directing choirs.
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Tyrese Walters graduates with a degree in music performance and plans to become a choral conductor. (Submitted photo)
Musician and her service dog complete campus career
Lara Plokhaar’s journey through university has taken a more circuitous path than she’d originally planned or hoped. But what has remained constant throughout the past five years has been her intent to cross the stage at Convocation with Grainger at her side.
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Lara Plokhaar will to cross the stage with Grainger at her side. (Debora Van Brenk, Western Communications)
Jeffrey Turnbull to medical grads: ‘You have a pact with society’
On a typical day in ‘retirement’, Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull and his team will see and treat about half of Ottawa’s homeless population. Turnbull knows their medical and mental afflictions and their addictions. More importantly, he knows their names and their stories. “They are like family,” says Turnbull, who received received an honorary doctorate from Western on June 3.
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Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull, whose medical practice is dedicated to people experiencing homelessness and addiction, will receive an honorary doctorate from Western University on Friday, June 3. (Photo source: The Ottawa Hospital)
Indigenous graduation ‘a day of celebration’
A special, in-person graduation ceremony was held April 1 to celebrate the achievements of 20 Indigenous students graduating this spring. They were honoured with video greetings from Myrna Kicknosway, one of the elders who have helped support and guide Indigenous students, and songs and drumming from London-based Eagle Flight Singers.
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Western University campus. (Western Communications file photo)
