About 1,200 Carleton University undergraduate and graduate students were receiving their degrees Saturday, Nov. 10 after celebrating the installation of Benoit-Antoine Bacon as president and vice-chancellor.
Board of Governors Chair Nik Nanos oversaw the installation and led the presidential oath, during which Bacon affirmed his commitment to Carleton.
“In this role, Dr. Bacon will provide institutional leadership, supervision over and direction of the academic work, and general administration of the university,” said Nanos. “He will develop and drive the mission, strategies and advancement of the university while acting as our chief advocate, principal ambassador and voice on a global scale.”
The installation formalized Bacon’s role. He joined Carleton on July 1, 2018 after serving as provost and vice-principal (Academic) at Queen’s University.
“It’s a thrill to be here, I’m just overwhelmed to be officially installed as the 15th President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University,” said Bacon. “It’s so wonderful that this ceremony is taking place today, during convocation, as you, our inspiring Carleton graduates, are embarking on the next chapter of your lives.”
The installation ceremony was followed by an eagle feather presentation and honour song. In this ceremony, the gifting and acceptance of the eagle feather represents a commitment to nurture positive relationships between the Carleton community and Indigenous peoples. It was presented by Algonquin Elder Barbara Dumont-Hill, Prof. Kahente Horn-Miller of the Mohawk Nation and Benny Michaud acting assistant director of the Centre for Indigenous Initiatives and citizen of the Métis Nation.
During his Convocation address to graduates, Bacon spoke of the opportunities and challenges ahead, as well as the importance of the values resilience, purpose and gratitude, as captured in Carleton’s Here for Good ethos, for individuals and for institutions.
“I am so excited, our graduates, to see where all of you will go from here, excited to see how you will contribute to our task eternal of trying to make the world a better place,” said Bacon. “Congratulations to all of today’s graduates, thank you so very much for welcoming me into the Carleton community with open arms, open minds, open hearts.”
To view the text of the installation address visit: http://bit.ly/2QwsDnt
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Saturday, November 10, 2018 in News Releases
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