UBC’s 2020 Convocation took place on June 17, online, with messages from many dignitaries including President and Vice-Chancellor of UBC Dr. Santa Ono, Chancellor Lindsay Graham, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, BC’s Minister of Advanced Education and Training Melanie Mark, and the deans of all the faculties, including our own Dean James Olson. The keynote address was delivered by Honorary Degree holder Dr. Rick Mercer, comedian and television personality. If you missed it, you can still watch the recording of UBC’s virtual celebration online.
Following the official ceremonies, a reception was held online for recipients of the degrees MSN, MPH-MSN, MHLP, and PhD along with their families and other supporters, in celebration of their hard work and success. A similar reception for the graduates of the BSN program was held online on June 18. Guests were able to join in from points across BC and Canada, the United States, and even from Trinidad and Tobago as well as Switzerland, where the event concluded at 11 PM for them. Students, parents and faculty all had a chance to text their comments throughout the events as students virtually “crossed the stage.” In an attempt to personalize the experience even from a distance, each student’s photograph appeared on screen as their name was announced by Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, Director of the School. Although the webinar platform did not allow for hundreds of folks to see each other on screen at once, some time was reserved at the end of each event for guests to voice their own congratulations and thanks.
Here are some of the memories students shared of their two years studying nursing at UBC. CLICK for memorabilia from both events, including the full recordings.
Though the event was held online, well-wishers were able to leave comments for graduates: here is a sample.
- Congratulations to the entire class of 2020! You’ve persevered through a tough program, and are now launching your careers in almost unprecedented times. Way to go, everyone! ~ The Rabb Family
- Well done class of 2020 – continue to make your mark in the nursing profession and beyond! ~ Anonymous
- Congrats dolphins, we did it! ~ Sheila Allenbach, BSN
- My best wishes to you on your career journey. It’s been my pleasure to meet and to know many of you. You will be stellar leaders! Please stay in touch and stay well. ~ Dr. Maura MacPhee
- CONGRATULATIONS to each of you for your commitment, expertise, and leadership– and BEST WISHES for your future endeavours!
~ Dr. Paddy Rodney - Congratulations to all the UBC Nursing grads in this most unusual of years. May your hard-earned degrees stand you in good stead for truly remarkable careers. ~ Dr. Sally Thorne
