It was a cloudy grey day for the pre-recorded convocation ceremony -- pre-recorded by individuals due to the current lockdown. I wore my academic gown and hood while I watched online. It has been almost two years since I've donned the scarlet and royal blue regalia. Several times each year opportunities to dress in medieval gowns and hoods arise, so today was special in that way. It felt so odd, since this is usually a day filled with crowds cheering for the hard work and successes of all the graduates. There were parents and family members online sending messages with the chat feature. It worked but just felt a bit off. The day generally brings many emotions -- excitement, pride, happiness, joy but most of all for me, hope. That was still there today, but most feelings were a bit muted given the format and lack of faces other than those reading names and giving speeches.
Besides being a virtual ceremony, this celebration brought some new bits. This year, students received two parchments -- one in the traditional Latin and one in Mi'kmaw, since the university (and the whole province) sits on unceded traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq people. The honourary doctoral degree recipient was Dr. Robert Strang, the chief Medical Officer of Health for the province. His guidance over the past 15 months helped the province through the various waves of the pandemic. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this honour this year. In his brief speech, he shared a saying -- "Never waste the opportunity of a crisis." He stated that we have learned many positive things through this pandemic and where we land when it subsides will be different -- hopefully in a good way after we have recognized the importance of being together locally and globally.
I've been to many convocation ceremonies in my career and three of my own. The formality of the day brings a great sense of closure to the academic work and an opening to the future possibilities. Looking towards the positive fits today with convocation and with the surge in new cases today. the song choice speaks to the potential for a positive future. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Hope for the Future -- Paul McCartney
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