UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
of the FRASER VALLEY

reac

Volume 11, Number 11

Over 900 graduates moved on to their
next phase of life as they crossed the
stage to receive a certificate, diploma,
or degree at UCFV’s convocation
ceremonies on Thursday, June 19.

The graduating class has grown so
large that for the first time, two
ceremonies were held, one in the
morning and one in the afternoon,
both at the Chilliwack Alliance
Church. |

At both ceremonies, graduates
were reminded that although they
have finished one part of their formal
education, they will continue learning
for the rest of their lives, and may
return to UCFV in various capacities.

“There are many possible
reconnections,” said Linda
Matwichuk, chair of the University
College Council. “You may return to
ladder your certificate or diploma into
a degree. You may come back as a guest
speaker, or sponsor a CO-op or practicum
student. One day, you may be an
instructor, or board chair, or dean, or
registrar. Or perhaps you’ll win our
community service award.

“In the mean time,” continued
Matwichuk, “we’re honoured to share this
day with you, because of what you’ve
achieved —the goals you’ve met, the
roles you’ve juggled, the deadlines you’ve
aced. We hope you’ve appreciated the
help of your instructors, our wisdom, our
research interests, and our role in the
classroom.”

UCFYV president Peter Jones reminded
graduates that education is not a solitary
experience.

July 11, 1997

Special Convocation Issue
Convocation expands to two ceremonies

Bachelor of Arts grad and proud dad Michael Chadsey
was one of more than 900 graduates recognized

at Convocation this year.

“Each and every one of you has many
partners. Education happens when people
talk and learn together. Your circle
includes your classmates and teachers, but
also your parents, or husband or wife and
kids. We are all blessed with support and
friendships that have helped us to achieve
our goals.”

Student Union Society president Jamie
Hellewell congratulated the graduates on
making it through the tough journey of
post-secondary studies.

“We all know two or three students
who didn’t make it to graduation.
Students are under a lot of financial
constraints, and have many concerns
outside of school, which makes it difficult
to achieve what you are being recognized
for today.”

The keynote speaker at the
morning convocation ceremony
was Susan Witter, Dean of
Access and Continuing Education
at UCFV, who has recently been
appointed the new president of
Douglas College. She reminded
the audience that learning is now a
lifelong process, and that a
significant proportion of the
population has a hard time gaining
access to post-secondary
education.

“Long gone are the days when
all of us went to school for 12
years, found and held a job for 50
years, and retired for the rest of
our lives. Today, for the majority
of Canadians, our lives are
intertwined with a complex mix of
learning, working, family
responsibilities, and leisure.”

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