From Many Peoples Strength University of Regina celebrates 44th spring convocation
The Saskatchewan provincial motto “From Many Peoples Strength” is lived out in earnest every day on the campus of the University of Regina.
A university can be viewed as a microcosm of society, one of the most effective tools we have for building a caring and compassionate society. In her address at this year’s University of Regina spring convocation, President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons will expand on that notion, sharing that universities should be not only a reflection of the society in which we live, but also a reflection of the society in which we want to live.
Timmons will tell those gathered for the graduation ceremony that the graduands, from varying cultures and with differing abilities, inspire her with their openness to others and their resistance to racism and intolerance. And because they provide a glimpse of what the world can – and should – look like in the future.
“Our graduates embody that ideal, and in doing so, they confirm my belief that a wide-ranging education is our most important means of defeating ignorance, fear and hatred,” she says.
More than 70,000 U of R alumni already active in the world will have their ranks swell during the first week of June as 2,258 graduating students receive their degrees, diplomas or certificates – breathing new life into the “from many peoples strength” theme.
Those slated to receive honorary degrees are anti-abuse and antibullying advocate Sheldon Kennedy on June 6, philanthropists Roberta McKay and Elmer Brenner on June 7, and the embodiment of determination and sportsmanship, Brad Hornung on June 8.
Like the province itself, the University of Regina continues to grow, with more than 15,200 students enrolled – the seventh year of record enrolment. Of that number, more than 14 per cent are international students, and almost 13 per cent are students who have self-declared as Indigenous.
Timmons credits the unprecedented growth to a willingness to embrace diversity, and overcome prejudice and intolerance as the best way of educating future leaders.
“That same spirit – together with the support of the communities in which we study, work and live – is what continues to allow the University of Regina to flourish. From many people’s support comes our strength,” she says.
In congratulating this spring’s graduates, President Timmons credits the many people who helped them achieve their goals; from faculty and staff at the university, to the family members and others who lent a hand, and to the grads themselves.
“Convocation is a day of celebration – one where we honour a group of people who have worked for many years to get to this moment… It’s a time to enjoy, and a time also for you to take a moment to celebrate what you have contributed to this day,” says Timmons.
It is clear from the calibre of this spring’s graduating class that the province and the larger world will be among the beneficiaries of their hard work. “Our graduates,” she shared, “are the future leaders of our city, our province, our nation and our world. They are now citizens of the world — talented people who have the skills, knowledge and values to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
The University of Regina spring convocation ceremonies take place on June 6, 7, and 8 at the Conexus Arts Centre.