The man credited with conceiving the idea for the Special Olympics, an acclaimed CBC journalist, a leading voice in Canadian arts and an internationally recognized curator and philanthropist will receive honorary degrees when The University of Western Ontario hosts its 298th Convocation in October.
Few today remember that between 1924 and 1960 The University of Western Ontario shared its property with The London Hunt and Country Club, an 18-hole golf course that wended its way between the buildings and along both sides of the Thames River.
After spring semester 1974, Ray Elliott headed to Toronto secure only in the fact he had a place to stay – crashing with his brother. He had $50 in his pocket and no job prospects. But what would unfold over those few months would change a lot for the young man from Guelph and for his alma mater.
Jessica Hill choked up and could barely voice how much it means to her – and it’s only the first week of classes for the Leadership in Aboriginal Education program.
Cecilia Bartoli’s homepage claims the renowned coloratura mezzo soprano brings classical music close to the hearts of millions. One of those belongs to Western alumnus Houman Behzadi. In August, he will be one of 15 international singers to study with his idol in Switzerland at the Gstaad Vocal Academy.
Western alumnae Sandy Kirkley (MD’86) will be posthumously inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s (AOSSM) Hall of Fame July 8 during its Annual Meeting in California, honouring her work in the field of sports medicine.
Bruce Ross, BESc’85, knew IBM inside and out long before IBM knew Bruce Ross.
Bernard Wolfe says in order to make the most of their lives, graduates need to continue both their vocational and humanistic education.
While a challenging and uncertain time, David Naylor also told graduates it is a period of huge promise that will offer wonderful opportunities and great adventures.
The energy from those sitting in Alumni Hall was palpable, says Barbara Stymiest, looking around the room at what she described as future politicians, chief economists, social entrepreneurs, academic wunderkinds and leaders of all kinds.
Mohan Mathur made it clear to Western’s newest graduates that they are standing at the threshold of an important day in their lives, and whenever possible they should have the courage to lead and not follow.
The ability to be a mediator is a skill that will not only help in law, but can also be used to enrich global culture and the value of a university education, says Ontario Chief Justice Warren Winkler.
Take advantage of new opportunities to take action, no matter how small, and do it with great love to change the world for the better. This was the challenge presented by Free the Children founders Craig and Marc Kielburger to the graduating class from King’s University College.
Mitch Baran says the achievement of his Western degree, along with the inspiration drawn from the memory of his parents, are validation he had the tools to overcome challenges in his younger years.
The secret to Mary Anne White’s success stems back to the friendships she forged and the lessons she learned 40 years ago when she started her academic career at The University of Western Ontario.
Under the caps and gowns of today’s graduates stand the leaders of the most consequential generation in more than a century, says broadcast journalist Kevin Newman.
There was the year a student did a cartwheel across the stage. The time someone handed over a baby during the ceremony. Oh, and don’t forget the year there was a streaker.