Hundreds of students from Carleton’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) graduated on June 15, capping off an exciting week at Spring Convocation where over 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students received their degrees.
Some of the undergraduate programs sending off their students included Psychology, History, Human Rights and Social Justice, Women’s and Gender Studies and English.
Meanwhile, graduate programs ranged from Cognitive Science and Curatorial Studies to Sociology and Geography.
At the morning ceremony, Steven Davis, founder of Academics Without Borders and Carleton’s Centre on Values and Ethics, was awarded an honorary degree. Davis was recognized for his valuable contributions to the promotion of higher education in developing countries and his distinguished academic career.
“If you are not sure what you are going to do with your life, might I suggest that you consider working side by side with people in the developing world and help them realize their dreams for their countries,” Davis said in his address. “I did it for 10 years and it changed my life.”
Advocating for Children’s Rights
Gerison Lansdown, founder of the Children’s Rights Alliance for England, received an honorary degree at the afternoon ceremony. Lansdown was acknowledged for her extraordinary leadership in advocating for children’s rights.
Josh Majerle graduated from Carleton’s Art History program this morning. He had some important takeaways from his time as a Raven.
“Do something you enjoy, not necessarily what you think will benefit [financially] in the long run,” Majerle said. “If it’s something you enjoy, you’ll love doing it for life.”
“Honestly, the tunnels here [on campus] are awesome, especially during the winter,” said Jamie Richard, who graduated from Carleton’s Child Studies program.
Dreams of Making a Difference
In the near future, Richard said she would like to join Child Protective Services or work closely with youth who live on the street.
George Milkovich, who came to Carleton from Pennsylvania, U.S.A, said he really enjoyed his time in Carleton’s Film Studies program.
“All the professors are so down to Earth and easy to talk to,” Milkovich said.
Today’s ceremonies were extra special for Interim President Alastair Summerlee- it was his final day as Carleton University’s president. His position will be passed on to Carleton’s next president, Benoit-Antoine Bacon, on July 1.
“I’ve been able to witness the incredible joy that the students and their families feel about being here and about their time at Carleton,” Summerlee said in the Fieldhouse. “It’s been an incredible journey for me … I have really appreciated being here.”
Summerlee will continue working at Carleton, transitioning into his role as a professor.
Friday, June 15, 2018 in Convocation
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