Prince George, BC – The University of Northern British Columbia will grant more than 700 credentials during the 2017 Convocation beginning on Friday in Prince George.

Five Convocation events will take place this year in four Northern B.C. communities, the largest two of which will take place at the Northern Sport Centre this Friday, followed by graduation celebrations in Gitwinksihlkw, Terrace and Quesnel. In addition, there are six graduates from the Peace River – Liard campus in Fort St. John, although there is not graduation celebration.

Among the highlights of this year’s Convocation will be the first class of graduates in the Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design who will receive their parchment at the College of Science and Management (CSAM) convocation at 2:30 p.m. on Friday at the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre.

Honorary degrees will be granted to Roy J. Stewart, a UNBC founder and champion, during the College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences (CASHS) ceremony, and world-renowned forensic anthropology expert Fredy Peccerelli during the CSAM ceremony.

This year’s valedictorians are Master of Education graduate Shelly Niemi of Prince George (CASHS) and Faran Rashid (Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry) of Prince George (CSAM).

May 26 – Prince George – CASHS Ceremony.

The ceremonies begin with a procession from the Bentley Centre to the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre at 9 a.m., followed by the College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences (CASHS) ceremony at 9:30 a.m. At 12:15 p.m. CASHS students will have their class photo taken at the ceremonial stairs. In the case of inclement weather, processions will take place solely at the Northern Sport Centre.
Several awards and honours will be presented at this ceremony:

• Retiring professor Dr. Ken Prkachin (Psychology) will be bestowed with the title Professor Emeritus. It is an honour given by UNBC to retiring faculty members who have provided exceptional service to the University and the larger academic community through research and classroom teaching.
• University Excellence in Teaching Awards will be given to Brian Duffels (Psychology) and Joanna Pierce (Associate Professor, Social Work).
• The University Excellence in Professional Practice, Mentorship or Stewardship Award will be given to Dr. Martha MacLeod, the UNBC Knowledge Mobilization Research Chair.
• Grant Potter (Senior Lab Instructor, E-learning), Dr. Richard Lazenby (Professor, Anthropology) and Dr. Tracy Summerville (Associate Professor, Political Science) will receive University Excellence in Service Awards.
• PhD (Natural Resources and Environmental Studies) graduate Alexander Koiter will receive the Governor General Gold Medal during the CASHS ceremony. The gold medal is awarded in the final year to the graduate student who has the highest overall academic standing in his or her degree program.

May 26 – Prince George – CSAM Ceremony

The class photo for the CSAM students will take place at 1:15 p.m. at the ceremonial stairs, followed by their procession from the Bentley Centre to the Northern Sport Centre at 2 p.m. The CSAM convocation ceremony will run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Retiring School of Business professor Dr. Steven Cronshaw will be bestowed with the title Professor Emeritus.
• Kirsten Anderson will be awarded the Governor General Silver Medal, given to the undergraduate student who achieves the highest academic standing upon graduation from a Bachelor degree program. Anderson will receive her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
• Dr. Steven Helle (Associate Professor, Environmental Engineering) and Dr. Pamela Wright (Associate Professor, Outdoor Recreation Tourism and Management) will receive University Excellence in Teaching Awards.
• Ecosystem Science and Management Professor Dr. Darwyn Coxson will receive the University Excellence in Professional Practice, Mentorship or Stewardship Award.
• Dr. Zoë Meletis (Associate Professor, Geography), will receive the University Excellence in Service Award, while Dr. David Connell (Associate Professor, Ecosystem Science and Management), will receive the University Excellence in Research Award.

May 29 – Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a – Ts’oohl Ts’ap Memorial Hall – 1 p.m.

Seven students will receive Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute-UNBC credentials this year, including two students who will earn Bachelor of Arts degrees in First Nations studies. Two students will receive Certificates in General First Nations and two more will earn Certificates in First Nations Language. One student will receive a Certificate in Nisga’a Studies.

May 30 – Northwest (Terrace) – R.E.M. Theatre – 2 p.m.

Forty-nine students will graduate this year, including 16 in each of the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Nursing programs. Twelve students will receive Bachelor of Education degrees who all majored in elementary education. Two students will earn their Master of Education degrees in counselling and two more will receive their Bachelor of Arts in English degrees. One student will receive a Bachelor of Science degree.

June 1 – Southwest (Quesnel) – Quesnel Campus – 2 p.m.

Thirty-five students will receive credentials this year, including 13 in the Bachelor of Science Nursing program and five students in the Bachelor of Social Work. One student will receive a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Ten students will receive Certificates in First Nations Language (Tsilhqot’in Language), while six more will receive Certificates in First Nation Language (Carrier Language).

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