Brian Williams, a recent graduate of Western’s bachelor of education program, has no regrets about his change in career. “I enjoyed my job in finance but I found myself thinking, ‘What impact am I going to leave on the world?’” Williams said. …
Convocation
Four to receive honorary degrees from Western
The incoming chairperson of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, a former president of the Canadian Jewish Congress, one of Canada's most influential policy strategists and an award-winning Canadian author will receive honorary degrees when Western hosts its...
Pearson: Our most powerful office is the individual citizen
The individual is the most powerful force of change, Executive Director of the London Food Bank Glen Pearson told graduates at the Wednesday, June 18 afternoon session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “The individual matters – and what you do individually matters,”...
Anderson: Three cheers to Van Fleet
Just wanted to say how pleased I was to see the university award the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service to Jan Van Fleet, former secretary to the Senate and Board (Van Fleet awarded President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, June 5).
Barney: Strive hard to unfold the gifts given to you
Graduates must celebrate their roots and capitalize on all they can from their heritage, Robert Barney, one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Olympic Games, told graduates at the Tuesday, June 17 afternoon session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “Be mindful...
Allaster: Create a world of equality in opportunity for all
Gender parity is not a women’s issue – it is an economic issue that impacts Canada’s competitiveness and prosperity, businesswoman Stacey Allaster, BA’85, MBA’00, told graduates at the Monday, June 16, afternoon session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “Our country is...
Adair: Embrace arts as a way of understanding the world
A solid background in the arts can prepare a person for success in life, Supreme Court judge Madam Justice Elaine Adair, BMus’73, MMus’78, told graduates at the Monday, June 16, morning session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. Her studies in music and philosophy at...
Mercer: Time to get out there, and fix my country
There are endless opportunities for today’s graduates, comedian Rick Mercer told graduates from the Faculty of Education and the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the Friday, June 13, morning session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “At this point in...
Hunt: Help passive lives make great contributions to world
As you enter your career, do not forget to cast your eyes toward helping others, University College London professor emeritus Lord Julian Hunt told graduates at the Friday, June 13, afternoon session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “Although you are young and fit...
King: Rally behind ‘human brilliance’ for change
As today’s graduates face challenges far different than those of the last century, they must meet them with a collective drive, desire and determination for change, scientist Sir David King told graduates at the Thursday, June 12, afternoon session of Western’s 303rd...
Langer: Dream big, embrace a life of possibilities
If graduates choose to pursue their passions instead of money, almost anything is possible, Robert Langer, one of the world’s most important biotechnology engineers, told graduates at the Thursday, June 12, morning session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “Try to dream...
Chrominska: Work hard, take risks, learn from mistakes
Success comes from an openness and willingness to adapt to new opportunities, business leader Sylvia Chrominska told graduates at the Wednesday, June 11, morning session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “While it might appear as if I had a career or life plan, I wasn’t...
Fraser: Muster courage, stand up for what is right
Be open to opportunity, even if it strays from the path you’ve chosen for yourself, former Canadian auditor general Sheila Fraser told graduates at the Tuesday, June 10, afternoon session of Western’s 303rd Convocation. “Even if your heart is set on a particular...