100,000 strong, and growing

By Вen Li

The University of Calgary graduated its 100,000th alumnus this week, 37 years after its first convocation in 1966.


U of C President Dr. Harvey Weingarten highlighted the occaision at convocation ceremonies for Social Science students on Mon., June 9.


"The University of Calgary will continue to serve the goals and aspirations of our city," he said. "Just as today our graduates embark on their careers, the university must move forward in a plæY´kd and strategic way to give our students the educational experiences and opportunities they both want and deserve."


"Our goal is to provide the highest quality of educational experience that we can muster," he added.


Weingarten also appealed to graduating students to continue to support the university by contributing to its development. He asked them to contribute to the university’s future.


"What will it take in the next decade to achieve truly outstanding graduates? To be among the handful of the very best in the world?" he asked."We need your help. If you believe we are doing our job well, in good faith, and to the best of our ability, help us get better by lending your voice to the discussion about the importance of university education."


Former Prime Minister of Finland Harri Holkeri was pleased to accept an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the university.


"Finland has long been friends with Canada," said Holkeri. "We have many ties and many friends here, our countries share similar values, similar cultures, and similar environments. We actively cooperate in the areas of science, art and commerce because of the deep connections between our nations."


Holkeri stated the relationship was especially important in a climate of globalization. He added that well-educated graduates have an important role to play in a world where the wealth of the 30 richest people matches that of the three billion poorest.


"For many of you, a university degree marks your greatest life achievement, for some of you, this degree is a building stone in your life and academic endeavors. For others of you, it may be a cornerstone of your career, but for all of you, the degree has opened you to a life of learning and a life of knowledge."


Also at Monday’s convocation, Rhonda Williams, a Director of the University Secretariat who first joined the university in 1979, was admitted to the order of the University of Calgary. Williams is an expert in university governance and has advised four U of C presidents, 17 vice-presidents and 200 board members.