King's welcomes 587 new alumni at Convocation 2019
June 19, 2019
Congratulations to the 587 new graduates who became members of the Class of 2019 and of the King’s Alumni family as part of the Spring 2019 Convocation on June 19, 2019.
The proceedings for Convocation began in the Darryl J. King Student Life Centre with an awards ceremony in the Andy and Helen Spriet Learning Commons where top student scholars and faculty were honoured, including:
- Dr. Brian Patton, Associate Professor in the Department of English, French and Writing, (Full-Time Faculty) and Dr. Kimberly Baltzer-Jaray, Professor of Social Justice and Peace Studies, (Part-Time Faculty) were honoured as recipients of the 2019 King’s Award for Excellence in Teaching awards.
- Twelve graduating students received Gold Medals for having the highest grades in their module.
- Nine graduating students will be recognized as King’s Scholars, an additional designation of academic achievement and excellence.
- Seong-Hee Lee ’19, Three Year BA Major in Childhood and Social Institutions with a Minor in Sociology, received the Patrick O’Bright Award for the highest average among part-time students.
- Madelaine Coelho ’19, Honors Specialization Sociology with a Minor in Political Science, received the Faculty Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2018-2019.
- Catherine Robson ’19 BSW, Honors Specialization in Social Work, and Tobias Evans ‘19, BSW, Honors Specialization in Social Work, received the Dr. Peter C. McMahon Award for the Bachelor of Social Work (Honors) Program.
- Rachel Corr ’19, BSW, Honors Specialization in Social Work, received the Susan J. O’Neil Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice.
- Christopher Anthony ’19, Honors Specialization in Political Science received the Thérèse Quigley Outstanding Student-Athlete Graduate Award.
Following the awards ceremony, the graduates made their way in procession from the Cardinal Carter Library to Elizabeth A. “Bessie” Labatt Hall, for Convocation Mass. Reverend Michael Béchard presided at a Celebration of the Eucharist.
King’s graduates, faculty and staff along with their families and friends then attended the convocation ceremony at Alumni Hall, Western University at 3 p.m. All King’s graduates receive a Western University degree.
As part of the ceremony, Linda Hasenfratz, who will be officially installed as Western University’s 23rd Chancellor during Convocation ceremonies this October, was awarded a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.).
Linda Hasenfratz was named Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year for 2018 by Financial Post Magazine. Since becoming CEO of Linamar in 2002, Hasenfratz has transformed the multi-billion dollar company into Canada’s second-largest automobile parts manufacturer, with over 28,000 employees. The Western alumna spearheaded the Linamar Scholarships for Women in Engineering and Business at Western University in 2017.
Dr. Hasenfratz said receiving the honourary degree was “a real pleasure and honour. It means a great deal to me.”
In addressing those in attendance at Convocation, Dr. Hasenfratz spoke about the features of good leadership. She said some of the key aspects of good leadership are: passion, planning, execution, decision-making and communications. “Seek out those great leaders as you head out on your career,” said Dr. Hasenfratz, pointing to her father and husband, as well as executives as Linamar.
“Never stop learning. Just because you finish school, doesn’t mean there aren't any more changes to learn. Be inquisitive. If you don’t understand something, ask. Embrace change. Don’t be afraid to change and improve. Complacency leads to obsolescence,” she said. “Don’t be afraid of a challenge. With each success, you grow a little more confident. I would recommend that you approach the issues you face in your job with innovation, with ingenuity and common sense.”
The King’s University College Alumni Association invited the Class of 2019 and their guests to return to King’s for a wine and cheese reception at the Darryl J. King Student Life Centre.
Congratulations again to our new alumni. Welcome to the King’s Alumni family.
To see more Convocation coverage, please view King’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or on Snapchat @kingsatwestern, using the hashtag #kings2019.