U of S convocation a family affair for three generations
Three generations of the Koehler family wore convocation robes at the University of Saskatchewan on Tuesday — grandfather James, his son Geoffrey and his grandson Kevin.
In 1961, James and Donna Koehler were one of two married couples at the U of S who received their degrees at the same time.
James is now a professor emeritus, having taught physics and engineering physics at the U of S for 30 years.
His son, Geoffrey, is an adjunct professor of environmental science, and his grandson, Kevin, graduated with a B.A. in computer science.
Convocation is a bit different now than it was back in 1961, Donna Koehler said.
For one thing, it’s longer. “The graduation (today) was a much bigger affair than it was in the early days, when graduation was done at the gym,” she said.
Although originally from Saskatoon, Donna and James now live on Vancouver Island.
They spent three days driving to the city for the ceremony.
“We were really pleased to be able to be here,” she said.
“It was a day of pride, satisfaction and joy.”
All three generations were supposed to be on the stage at the same time during the ceremony, but Geoffrey’s adjunct professorship was only awarded three months ago, and the paperwork hadn’t gone through in time to make him eligible for a spot in the ceremony.
He got his PHD in geochemistry in 1997.
Despite the small setback, he was still happy to be a part of the celebration, he said.
“It was really neat because when I got my PHD, I couldn’t make it, I was in California. So it was the first time I got to wear the robe.”