Nov. 8, 2021
UCalgary Graduates Celebrate First In-Person Convocation Since 2019
Calgary, AB – On November 9, 2021, 655 University of Calgary graduates will cross the stage at the first in-person convocation since 2019. To ensure the university follows all provincial health guidelines, graduates will be required to show proof of vaccination to attend. Everyone will need to wear masks, handshakes will be avoided, and guests and other community members will unfortunately not be permitted.
The two in-person convocation ceremonies will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on November 9, where a total of 1,941 degrees and or designations will be awarded.
“We’re excited for our graduates who will have the opportunity to receive their degrees as we return to an in-person Convocation ceremony for the first time since the start of the pandemic. While we wish they could bring their friends and family to help celebrate their achievements and accomplishments, gathering with their fellow graduates is also a recognition of the perseverance it took to complete their studies despite the switch to online learning and all the challenges faced during the pandemic.”
Dr. Teri Balser, Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
The University of Calgary will also be awarding two honorary degrees to Dr. Ajay Agrawal, educator, entrepreneur and tech innovator, and Elyse Allan, industry leader, diversity advocate, and innovator. The honorary degree is the University of Calgary’s highest academic honour, bestowed upon individuals whose notable achievements and community service merit recognition.
In addition to the honorary degrees, there will be two recipients of the Order of the University of Calgary (OTUC), Dr. Marina L. Gavrilova, leader, educator, and diversity advocate, and Dr. Keith Dobson, expert, educator, and mental health advocate. The OTUC honours recipients who have a record of exemplary and distinguished service to the university. It is available to any current or past member of the university community. To find out more about the fall 2021 honorary degree and OTUC recipients, go to ucalgary.ca/convocation.
“We are very proud of all of the students graduating today from the University of Calgary. As a research intensive post-secondary institution, our goal is to provide students with the skills, real-world experiences and entrepreneurial focus they need for success in the workforce and societies around the world. It is the graduates that we’ve produced – our alumni – who are active leaders in our community. They are making big changes and charting a course for the future of Alberta, and the world around them.”
Dr. Ed McCauley, President and Vice-chancellor
Given the number of people who want to celebrate this occasion, both ceremonies will be livestreamed. Loved ones, friends and members of the university community are all encouraged to tune in online to celebrate the success of the students who have achieved their academic goals under extraordinary circumstances. The Fall 2021 livestream can be found at ucalgary.ca/convocation/live.
“Convocation is such a cornerstone in all of our lives. It’s the celebration of years of dedication, of commitment to learning and growing. It’s a milestone and one we are delighted to be able to bring back for our campus community. Congratulations to the Class of 2021. You have achieved so much. We are all proud of you.”
Susan Barker, Vice-Provost (Student Experience)
As this event is closed to the public, we please ask if media are interested in covering convocation, they connect with our below media contacts beforehand.
Media inquiries
Jacqueline Sinnett
Media Relations Advisor, Media and Issues Management
University of Calgary (Advancement)
403-389-3476
Sean Myers
Senior Communications Specialist
University of Calgary
403-561-7405