Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: Wilfrid Laurier University
http://www.wlu.ca/news_detail.php?grp_id=28&nws_id=2645&filter_type=release

Laurier to graduate 879 students in fall convocation

October 27, 2006

Just under 900 students from all schools and faculties from the Waterloo and Brantford campuses of Wilfrid Laurier University will officially graduate today during the university’s fall convocation ceremony.

Laurier will confer degrees and diplomas on undergraduate and graduate students from arts, business and economics, music, science, social work and the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. The convocation ceremony will begin at 1:15 p.m. in the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.

By 4 p.m. yesterday, 879 students had met all program requirements and qualified to graduate. Laurier expects to confer 235 graduate degrees, 624 undergraduate degrees and 20 diplomas. On average, 80 percent of Laurier graduands attend convocation ceremonies.

"This really is a very special time for the students who have worked so hard, and for the family and friends who supported them throughout," said Laurier acting registrar Glennice Snyder. "For many of them, walking across the stage is a moment that will be treasured for years to come."

The university will also bestow an honorary doctor of laws degree on Lisa LaFlamme, CTV News with Lloyd Robertson’s national affairs correspondent and Kitchener-Waterloo native. LaFlamme is being honoured for her award-winning contribution to journalism as well as her numerous volunteer community service activities.

A graduate of the University of Ottawa, LaFlamme became known in local news media before making her mark in various high-profile roles at CTV, where her international reporting includes on-site coverage of significant world stories.

Peter Hatch, professor of composition in the faculty of music, will receive Laurier’s 2006-2007 University Research Professor Award. The award recognizes and rewards a continuous record of outstanding scholarship or creativity by a full-time faculty member.

Randall Thomas Wakelam, who earned a doctorate of philosophy in history, will receive the Graduate Gold Medal for the doctoral level. Jillian Gail Grant, PhD social work and member of the convocating class of spring 2006, is the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal. Twelve other graduates will receive gold medals of merit.
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