At the time of writing, I am just back from attending convocation in Kingston, where I had the pleasure of pinning approximately 600 new graduates, welcoming them into the Queen’s University Alumni Association.
When I convocated at Grant Hall more than 15 years ago in 2009, it was during the period after Jock Harty Arena closed and before spring convocation moved to what is now Slush Puppie Place in downtown Kingston. I admit I was more than a little skeptical that convocation at Slush Puppie Place could feel every bit as magical as I remembered my own at Grant Hall. But I was pleasantly surprised at the joy I felt watching the newest crop of Queen’s graduates proudly and triumphantly cross the stage surrounded by their loved ones.
The students at the ceremony I participated in were also treated to a very special convocation address by honorary degree recipient Cheryl L’Hirondelle. Ms. L’Hirondelle is a mixed-blood, multi- and interdisciplinary artist, singer/songwriter, and critical thinker and, as her website notes, her “family roots are from Papaschase First Nation, Amiskwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) and Kikino Métis Settlement, Alberta.” Those roots informed her convocation address, which was full of valuable insight, wisdom, and humour. While her life experiences and artistic contributions make her a very deserving recipient of the highest honour the university can bestow, she was also a joy to listen to and incredibly inspiring to the next generation.
It made me think about who else might be deserving of the university’s highest honour, awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to society or to the university. This is not the first time I have thought about this, as I also currently sit on the Honorary Degrees Committee, the group tasked with receiving and considering nominations and making recommendations to the Senate for the awarding of honorary degrees.
On the University Secretariat’s website, they describe the conferring of honorary degrees as “a collaborative and community-based activity. Anyone – faculty, students, alumni, and community members – can nominate a deserving individual for this honour.” Having just sat through a beautiful convocation ceremony, so enriched by the celebration of Cheryl L’Hirondelle’s achievements, I hope that our alumni are aware that yet another way they can contribute to Queen’s is by identifying and nominating exceptional people for these degrees, to bring them to the committee’s, and subsequently the community’s, attention. Note that nominations for the next cycle of honorary degree recipients are due in February. Who do you think Queen’s should honour?
