AU Convocation 2021

JUNE 11, 2021

Athabasca University, Canada’s Online University, is dedicated to the removal of barriers that restrict access to and success in university-level study and to increasing equality of educational opportunities for adult learners worldwide.

For over 50 years, AU has been reimagining what learning looks like and boldly charting a path to open and accessible distance education. We would not have come as far as we have today without you, our learners. As we look toward the future, we envision a global community of AU learners who transform lives and transform communities through a shared commitment to lifelong learning.

Today, we celebrate you and your tremendous achievement as a graduate of AU. Congratulations!

Athabasca University respectfully acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) of Canada. We honour the ancestry, heritage, and gifts of the Indigenous Peoples and give thanks to them.

AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

National Anthem

O CANADA O Canada! Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all of us command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free!

From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land, glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Ô CANADA

FRENCH VERSION

Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux, Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!

Car ton bras sait porter l’épée, Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée Des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

KAKANATAHK

O CANADA

Kakanatahk nitih’tawinan

Very clean, something our father gave to us.

Nisakihtanan Niwiyasowatenan

We love the law of the land

Wasetehihk tapwewinihk

From the heart is the truth

Kiwetin ehpicahk

The north is far

Nikweyac’kapawin

We all stand on guard

Kakanatahk

Very clean

Nikweyac’kapawinan

We all stand on guard

Kise Manito sawey’minan

Creator bless us

Ka kanatahk nikweyac’ kapawinan

Very clean, I stand on guard

Ka kanatahk nikweyac’ kapawinan

Very clean, I stand on guard

CREE VERSION

TRANSLATION OF CREE VERSION

Translation by Linda Krupnik-Houle, Saddle Lake Cree Nation

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AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

Message from the President On behalf of Athabasca University, I am honoured to welcome you, your family members, and friends to this wonderful event celebrating your graduation.

Convocation is an exciting milestone for the entire AU community. While the past year has presented us with many challenges, you have persevered to succeed in your studies. As we enter a time of renewed hope for recovery from the pandemic, so too are we filled with hope for your future success and happiness.

At AU, we are proud to be a part of your educational journey, to hear your stories and your plans for the future during this convocation. We have worked hard to create a virtual celebration that is exciting and engaging, and that recognizes the hard work and dedication that has brought you here.

You are now a part of our ever-growing community of AU alumni. I encourage you to stay connected with your peers and with the university, to continue to share your accomplishments and aspirations with your fellow AU graduates across Canada and around the world.

We wish you every success in your educational, career and personal pursuits, and look forward to all the great things you will accomplish.

Congratulations!

Deborah Meyers Interim President 2

AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

Message from the Chair On behalf of the Athabasca University Board of Governors, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Convocation 2021.

Today you become a member of our AU alumni community—a network of thousands of proud graduates representing our university across Canada and around the world. I know you will continue to model our university’s values in your personal and professional lives, and exemplify the rewards that hard work, determination, and commitment can bring.

Your success as demonstrated here today is an enormous source of pride for our AU community, as I’m sure it is for you, your family, and your friends. We wish you every success in the future.

Congratulations! I look forward to connecting with you at future alumni events.

Nancy Laird BA (Hons.), MBA, ICD.D

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AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

Ceremony Program Opening Procession O Canada Welcome

Dr. Matthew Prineas, Provost and Vice President

Academic (Master of Ceremonies)

Offering

Deborah Meyers, Interim President

Opening Prayer

Dr. Maria Campbell, Elder in Residence

Chair’s Remarks

Nancy Laird, Board Chair

Interim President’s Remarks

Deborah Meyers, Interim President

The Petition

Dr. Matthew Prineas, Provost and Vice President Academic

The Pledge

Deborah Meyers, Interim President

The Admission

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Nancy Laird, Board Chair

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PR E S E NTATI O N O F DE G R E E S (CER EMON Y ONE )

Faculty of Health Disciplines Honorary Degree Presentations Honorary Doctor of Laws

Introduction – Priscilla Campeau, Chair, Nukskahtowin

Recipient – Terry Lusty

Faculty of Science and Technology Presentation of Governor General’s Medal

Dr. Matthew Prineas, Provost and Vice President Academic

Governor General’s Medal Recipient Address to the Graduates PR E S E NTATI O N O F DE G R E E S (CER EMON Y T WO)

Faculty of Business Honorary Doctor of Laws

Introduction – Kristine Williamson, Vice President, University Relations

Recipient – Sheldon Kennedy

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Presentation of Governor General’s Medal

Dr. Matthew Prineas, Provost and Vice President Academic

Governor General’s Medal Recipient Address to the Graduates Closing Recession 5

AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

Terry Lusty Honorary Doctor of Laws An honorary Doctor of Laws will be conferred on Terry Lusty in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to public service and humanitarian contributions.

Mr. Lusty has been recognized at the provincial and community level for his advocacy and artistic talents and is widely recognized in the Indigenous community as a historian, advocate, artist, and photojournalist.

Mr. Lusty participated at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Orange Shirt Day walks, and has served as a traditional drummer/singer at cultural events. In addition to his varied accomplishments, Mr. Lusty was also a teacher in the communities of Fort Chipewyan and Wabasca-Desmarais.

He has contributed to Alberta Learning’s First Nation, Métis and Inuit Program Development and Standards Advisory Committee, helping to shape the curriculum for learners in Alberta, and remains committed to his traditional teachings of respect, humility, responsibility, and reconciliation.

Mr. Lusty is a strong role model for Indigenous students and serves as an Elder with several groups, including the Canadian Native Friendship Centre, the Edmonton Indigenous Relations Office, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, and the Creating Hope Society.

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AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

Sheldon Kennedy Honorary Doctor of Laws An honorary Doctor of Laws will be conferred upon Sheldon Kennedy in recognition of his outstanding contributions to programs and education supporting the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

Mr. Kennedy, a former NHL player, became a widely known and respected advocate after courageously speaking out about the sexual abuse he suffered as a teenager at the hands of his junior hockey coach. He co-founded the Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre, the first centre of its kind in Canada to offer full services for victims of child abuse, and Respect Group, which provides education to prevent online abuse and bullying.

Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Order of Hockey in Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence, and the Order of Canada.

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AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

Academic Regalia Formal academic dress dates from medieval times and consists of a robe, a hood, and sometimes a distinctive hat.

Today, the hood, which was once worn to protect the scholar’s head and shoulders in inclement weather, is worn down the back and is kept in place by a neckband that rests on the shoulders.

The degree which an AU graduate holds is indicated by the colour of their hood. As part of the official regalia, AU graduands also don a black cap and tassel. Graduands from certificate or diploma programs wear a standard plain black graduation gown with a black cap and tassel.

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of General Studies

FUCHSIA

BURGUNDY

GREEN

Bachelor of Health Administration GREEN

Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations TAUPE

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Bachelor of Management

Bachelor of Nursing

TAUPE

LIGHT BLUE

Bachelor of Professional Arts RED

Bachelor of Science GOLD/YELLOW

AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

MASTER’S DEGREES

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Master of Business Administration

WHITE

ROYAL BLUE

Master of Counselling SMOKE BLUE

Master of Education in Open, Digital, and Distance Education

Master of Health Studies PEACH/ SALMON

ROYAL BLUE/ GREEN

Master of Nursing

Master of Science in Information Systems

LIGHT BLUE

GOLD/YELLOW

DOCTORATES Doctoral gowns are black Cambridge style gowns, accented with the three colours of AU’s Coat of Arms. The full sleeves terminate in a point and are turned back to the elbow to reveal the blue lining of the bell. The hoods, in the Oxford pattern, are spruce green, lined in a rich blue and have a three-inch yellow border. Standard black Tudor hats are worn straight above the brow.

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AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

University Mace

Created by Brian Clark, the University Mace is symbolic of the traditional talking stick commonly used by many Indigenous Peoples to express authority and power of the group. The component parts of the mace were selected based on the artist’s perception of the wildlife that Alberta First Nations regard as being the most powerful and worthy of respect.

• The base is moose horn, chosen because of the way the moose feeds low for strength yet stands tall and strong in its domain.

• The shaft is pine and fir, fully twisted, challenging all directions at once.

• The bear claws reflect the balance of power by the strongest in nature.

• The bear teeth represent wisdom and solidarity.

• The arrowhead represents firmness and counsel.

• The stone eagle’s head represents guidance and spirit.

• The eagle and raven feathers represent mobility and wariness.

• The beads represent the human element, so lightly attached to nature.

The mace was donated to Athabasca University by Richard and Carol Aberg in June 1996.

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AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

Coat of Arms On August 15, 2011, Athabasca University received official armorial bearings from the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The following are the main elements on the coat of arms: SHIELD

MOTTO

AU’s official colours are blue and green.

AU’s motto, Learning for Life, is displayed

The central white sections, known as a

beneath the shield in the compartment

Canadian pale, is taken from the Canadian

section of the coat of arms, surrounded

flag and here represents an open gate, thus

by poplar leaves, another central Alberta

symbolizing AU’s commitment to accessibility

regional reference.

in education. The green triangle represents a spruce tree (and by association, central and northern Alberta), the letter ‘A,’ and the idea

SUPPORTERS The supporters on either side of the shield

of striving upward.

are depicted as eagles or hawks, which are

CREST

symbolize strength and prowess and are

also represented in the AU mace. Eagles

The bear is both courageous and nurturing

known for their wisdom. Taken as a whole,

and is a significant spirit helper in Woodland

the coat of arms represents AU on several

Cree culture. It represents the West as well as

levels, referencing its central/northern Alberta

wisdom and knowledge. The bear is holding

location and reflecting its strength, openness,

the AU mace, which symbolizes the authority

tradition, history, and wisdom.

of the university.

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AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

The Offering RIBBONS

As part of Athabasca University’s conciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples, a gift of ribbons is being presented to you as a graduate of Athabasca University. Historically, different coloured sticks were used as offerings in ceremonies but those were eventually replaced by cloth and ribbons.

Our Elder in Residence, Dr. Maria Campbell, uses ribbons as offerings as part of this convocation ceremony. This gift of ribbons is given to you, the graduate, as we honour and pay respect to the hard work you have put into your education.

of Summer, adolescence, and young adulthood. The place of the Yellow Bear and a time of growth and hard work.

• Blue or Black is for the West, the season of Autumn, mature adulthood, and the Black Bear. It is a time for reflection, dreaming, prayers, and harvest.

Bears are protectors of family and community and they are the medicine keepers. As we travel through each direction, we honour

SIGNIFICANCE

and respect all of wahkohtowin—the Cree

These four colours, white, yellow, rose, and

law governing relationships to all things in our

blue or black, represent the four seasons,

world—to the living and dead, animate and

the four parts of our being (spiritual, mental,

inanimate, spiritual, and physical beings.

physical, and emotional), the four hills of life, and the four directions. Dr. Maria Campbell,

WISHES

as part of her teachings, uses the following

With these ribbons, we honour the path to

colours to represent these elements:

knowledge and the hard work done by you

• White is for the North, the season of Winter, old age, and the White Bear. It is a time of achievement, knowledge, and understanding.

• Rose is for the East, the season of Spring, babies and children, and the place of Red Bear. The time for new life and where we envision and plan for our future.

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• Yellow is for the South, the season

the students. We wish for you a balanced life in all of your being—spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional—on your path towards miyopimatisiwin, the good life.

Our best wishes on your journey.

Nukskahtowin (Meeting Place) Athabasca University

Welcome to the Athabasca University Alumni Family Your journey with AU does not end here. As you continue to grow and move through your career and life, you remain a part of our OneAU family as a member of our alumni community.

As you join a global network of innovators, leaders, advocates, changemakers, and community builders to shape the world of tomorrow, we hope you will stay connected to AU. We look forward to continuing to celebrate your achievements as an AU graduate. Please share your stories with us and help us recognize your classmates and colleagues through our alumni awards program.

Our commitment to you is lifelong access to AU resources like the library, career assistance, and community-building events, along with alumni discounts and special offers.

The connections you have made, near and far, in person or online, are the heart of Athabasca University.

Visit alumni.athabascau.ca to learn more and stay connected.

AT H A B A S C A U N I V E R S I T Y C O N V O C AT I O N 2 0 2 1

#AthaU21

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