UCalgary celebrates spring 2023 convocation

Calgary, AB – The University of Calgary is proud to celebrate its spring 2023 graduands with a week of convocation ceremonies running from May 29 to June 2. A total of nine ceremonies will be held over the course of the week, with approximately 6300 graduands set to cross the stage. In addition, the annual Indigenous Graduation Celebration will be held on June 3, where the university’s Indigenous graduates celebrate their achievement alongside their family, friends, Elders and community. Speakers at the ceremonies will include Milton Carrasco, Charles Osuji, Lourdes Juan, Dr. Suzette Mayr, Sam Effah, Jesse Cockney, and Dr. Jim Dewald. Jodi Kovitz and Fania “Fanny” Wedro will receive Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees and Dr. Paul Kubes, PhD, and Dr. John “Jac” Andrews, PhD, will receive the Order of the University of Calgary.  

“We are very proud of all of the students graduating this week from the University of Calgary. Convocation is a time for us to come together as a university community and celebrate the amazing achievements of our graduands. I look forward to seeing the impact of the Class of 2023 on Calgary and the world, as they venture out and start something. ”

Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary

The honorary degree is the University of Calgary’s highest academic distinction and is bestowed upon individuals whose notable achievements and community service merit recognition. Jodi Kovitz is the founder and CEO of the global organization #MoveTheDial, which aims to grow the participation and leadership of women in technology. She is a national voice for empowering women in the industry, and has been featured in Forbes Women and  on lists like Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence and Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women. She will receive her Hon. LLD at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on Thursday, June 1. Fania Wedro is a survivor of the Holocaust who has dedicated her life to promoting education on this topic and advocating against against hate and discrimination. She has served as the Director of Holocaust and Human Rights Education for the Calgary Jewish Community and established the Wedro Holocaust Foundation in Calgary. Wedro will receive her Hon. LLD at the 2 p.m. ceremony on Friday, June 2.  

“The individuals chosen for this year’s honorary degrees and Order of the University of Calgary are representative of the impactful, caring, and entrepreneurial spirit that the university has fostered. I am excited to be a part of bestowing these honours on these notable individuals.”

Jon Cornish, chancellor, University of Calgary

The Order of the University of Calgary honours recipients who have a record of exemplary and distinguished service to the university. Dr. Paul Kubes, PhD, is one of Canada’s most esteemed immunologists and a world-renowned researcher in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. He is known for establishing many of UCalgary’s most innovative research facilities, notably the Live Cell Imaging Suite and the International Microbiome Centre, both of which have put the university on the map as a world-class location for microbiome research and a recognized institute for research excellence. Dr. John “Jac” Andrews, PhD, has dedicated more than 30 years to advocating for children’s diverse learning needs in schools and communities. He was instrumental in establishing UCalgary’s Psychology program, and has chaired the School and Applied Child Psychology graduate program since 2010, which has advanced its reputation as a national leader in school psychology under his leadership.

Media inquiries

Brennan Black
Advisor, Media, Issues and Outreach
brennan.black@ucalgary.ca

Jacqueline Sinnett
Advisor, Media, Issues and Outreach
403-389-3476
jmsinnet@ucalgary.ca

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 35,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

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