Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: Mount Saint Vincent University
http://www.msvu.ca/MediaCentre/Releases/2006/Oct06/221006-1.asp

Cap and Gowns Abound: Mount Saint Vincent University Graduates More Than 450 at Fall Convocations

October 22, 2006

Halifax, NS – Today, Mount Saint Vincent University will officially confer certificates, diplomas and degrees on more than 450 graduating students.

Valedictorian Jeffrey Kenneth William Britton, addressed the morning convocation assembly. Mr. Britton is from Sweets Corner, NS, and received his Master of Education (Educational Psychology) degree. He is also a motivational speaker and had this to say to fellow graduates.

"Two years ago I was living overseas, I was in love, and it appeared life was unfolding as the fairy tale I’d always imagined. Fast-forward to the winter at MSVU. Rushing to a class, I lifted my head and was completely taken aback by the beauty before my eyes. I realized I was where I was meant to be: in Canada, in Nova Scotia, in Halifax, at Mount Saint Vincent University. Life is full of surprises. It may unfold the way you hope or perhaps destiny has something else in store. We may be leaving the Mount today, but I’m not going to say farewell, because I am sure that Mount Saint Vincent University will remain with us for the rest of our lives."

Valedictorian Katherine A. Jenkins received a degree in Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route) with distinction at the afternoon ceremony. Hailing from Belmont, ON, Ms. Jenkins offered these words to her fellow graduates.

"We all came here for different personal reasons, but the same educational ones – higher learning and knowledge. We wanted to better ourselves in some way, and today we gather here to celebrate the common denominator that connects us all, our education at Mount Saint Vincent University."

Respected physician and community volunteer Dr. Linda Inkpen, MD, CM, was presented with an honorary degree.

Twenty-six student awards were presented, including the Valedictorian Prizes.

The President’s Prizes were awarded to graduates whose generosity, energy and commitment enriched the University. These awards went to Shannon Squires, Master of Education (Elementary and Middle School Education), Miramichi, NB and Olga Ponomarjova, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Halifax, NS.

Kappa Gamma Pi Awards for scholarship, leadership and service were presented to Patricia Rose, Master of Education (Literacy Education), Mount Pearl, NL and Emily Penny, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Wentzell Lake, NS.

The Graduate Thesis Award was presented to Viola Winstanley, Master of Arts in Women’s Studies offered jointly by Mount Saint Vincent University, Dalhousie University and Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS.

Senate Medals of Distinction were awarded to students graduating with distinction and the highest aggregate in their program. The recipients were: