UOIT to honour over 800 next-generation professionals at convocation ceremonies
June 2, 2008
OSHAWA, Ont. - Faculty and staff of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will join graduates' families and friends and community members on June 6 as the university confers Bachelor's and Master's degrees upon more than 800 graduates during its convocation ceremonies. The ceremonies will also include the presentation of honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to Dr. Avis Glaze and Bill Lishman for remarkable contributions to their professions and communities.
UOIT graduates have the skills and experience required to meet the needs of today's market-driven employers or to pursue further education. Many will take their places as our country's business leaders, criminology and justice professionals, educators, engineers, health-care providers, scientists, information technology specialists and much more, while others will go on to study law, medicine and specialized areas that are critical to maintaining Canada's position as a global leader. The Class of 2008 will be joined by Mr. Lishman and Dr. Glaze, who will be honoured at the ceremonies being held at the General Motors Centre in downtown Oshawa.
One of Canada's great pioneers, Mr. Lishman was the first person to foot-launch and land a powered rigid-wing aircraft in the 1970s. Taking advantage of the slow flight capabilities of his customized aircraft, he developed a technique to lead Canada geese in the air. After several years of research and experimentation, he successfully led a flock of 16 geese on a 400-mile migratory journey. This journey inspired the Oscar-nominated film Fly Away Home. Mr. Lishman has gone on to apply his migration techniques to safeguarding the whooping crane, one of the world's most endangered species. For his breakthrough work with migratory birds, Mr. Lishman has received numerous awards including the prestigious honour of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Canadian government in 2000. In addition, Mr. Lishman is an internationally celebrated sculptor and renowned inventor/designer of furniture and underground architecture. His work includes Autohenge, a full-scale replica of Stonehenge, and his dome-shaped, underground home with its unique features and energy-efficient designs.
Dr. Glaze has had a lengthy and impressive career in the education sector, teaching at all levels of the system. She has served as vice-principal and superintendent of schools in several different school districts in both the public and separate school boards. As associate director of education for the York Region District School Board and director of education for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Dr. Glaze implemented Character Education programs. While in the York board, she initiated a parallel program within the broader community and, as a result of her efforts, York Region became the first Character Community in Canada. She was appointed by the provincial government to serve as a commissioner on the Royal Commission on Learning to make recommendations to improve education in Ontario. In addition to this prestigious position, she has won numerous awards including being invested in the Order of Ontario in recognition of her outstanding contribution to enriching the lives of others and her achievement of excellence in her field. Currently, she is Ontario's education commissioner and senior advisor to the minister of Education on equity and character development.
The contributions and accomplishments of Dr. Glaze and Mr. Lishman serve to inspire and motivate UOIT's graduates - each ready to take his or her place as a leader of tomorrow.
In five short years UOIT has gained a national reputation for its leading-edge learning environment that includes a laptop with industry-specific software for every student, along with its commitment to research excellence that has resulted in millions of dollars in grants, bursaries and prestigious Canada Research Chairs. Having been immersed in UOIT's award-winning mobile learning environment and taught by world-class professors who collectively speak more than 20 languages, the Class of 2008 is graduating with the unique and innovative skills required to meet the needs of today's knowledge-based economy and make an impact on society.
When:
Friday, June 6, 2008
10 a.m. - The following degrees will be conferred:
- Master of Applied Science in Engineering;
- Bachelor of Engineering;
- Bachelor of Engineering and Management;
- Bachelor of Arts;
- Bachelor of Health Science;
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
- Bachelor of Science;
- Bachelor of Science Management; and
- Bill Lishman will be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
2:30 p.m. - The following degrees will be conferred:
- Master of Information Technology Security;
- Bachelor of Commerce;
- Bachelor of Education; and
- Dr. Avis Glaze will be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
Where:
General Motors Centre
99 Athol Street East
Oshawa, Ontario
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
Media contact
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
905.213.2735
melissa.levy@uoit.ca
