Convocation ceremonies will be presided over by Chancellor Dwight Duncan and President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. J.J. McMurtry, joining faculty and University leaders in recognizing the accomplishments of 4,100 graduates.
By John-Paul Bonadonna
More than 4,100 University of Windsor graduates will cross the stage during the University of Windsor's 125th Spring Convocation, June 2 to 5 at the Toldo Lancer Centre.
Nine ceremonies will honour students from every faculty across campus.
Over four days, graduands will cross the stage in front of family members, friends, faculty, staff and classmates in recognition of years of academic achievement, perseverance and personal growth.
Convocation remains one of the University’s most significant academic traditions — a moment that recognizes not only individual accomplishment but also the collective support and dedication of the entire campus community.
“Convocation is the moment we look forward to all year,” said Acting University Registrar Lorraine Chandler.
“It’s when the work of our students, faculty and staff becomes most visible — and most meaningful.”
Ceremonies will begin Tuesday, June 2, with graduates from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The 9:30 a.m. ceremony will recognize students from Psychology, Social Work, and Women’s and Gender Studies, while the afternoon ceremony at 2:30 p.m. will celebrate graduates from all other FAHSS programs.
The Odette School of Business will hold its ceremony Wednesday morning, followed that afternoon by graduates from the Faculty of Nursing and the Faculty of Human Kinetics.
Thursday morning and afternoon ceremonies will recognize graduates from the Faculty of Science. Faculty of Engineering graduates will be recognized at an evening session beginning at 7 p.m.
Friday’s ceremonies will honour students from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Law.
This year’s ceremonies will also celebrate exceptional student achievement through several of the University’s top graduating awards.
Brett Mitchell Blondin will receive the Governor General’s Silver Medal, awarded to the graduating honours student deemed most outstanding in their field. Blondin will also receive the Board of Governors’ Medal for Law.
Zeina Abou Haidar will receive the President’s Medal, presented annually to the graduating undergraduate student who has made an outstanding contribution to campus life while maintaining a superior academic record. Abou Haidar will also receive the Board of Governors’ Medal for Communication, Media and Film.
The University will additionally confer honorary Doctor of Laws degrees on two distinguished Canadians whose contributions have left a lasting impact in their fields and communities.
Acclaimed broadcaster Joe Bowen (BA ’73), known to generations of hockey fans as the longtime radio voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, will receive an honorary degree during the June 3 afternoon ceremony. The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch, Chief Justice of Ontario, will be recognized during the University’s final convocation ceremony on June 5.
The ceremonies will be presided over by Chancellor Dwight Duncan and President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. J.J. McMurtry, who will join faculty and University leaders in recognizing the accomplishments of the graduating class.
Additional information, including ticket details, graduate preparation resources and livestream access is available through the University of Windsor Convocation website.