We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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UOIT to celebrate class of 2009

June 1, 2009

University will present Donald McGillis and Vernon White with honorary doctorate degrees

OSHAWA, ON. - More than 1,000 graduates are set to cross the stage on Friday, June 5 as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) confers Bachelor's and Master's degrees upon the class of 2009 during its annual convocation ceremonies. Faculty and staff from UOIT will be joined by graduates' families and friends, and community members for the ceremonies, which will also include the presentation of honorary doctorate degrees to former Durham Regional Police Chief Vernon White and Donald McGillis for their outstanding contributions and commitment to their professions and communities.

UOIT graduates have the skills and experience required to meet the needs of the new economy as next-generation professionals or to pursue further education. From clean and green energy, to the development of clean and green vehicles, to furthering cyber safety research, improving healthcare, education and justice systems, and so much more, these men and women are graduating with the real-world skills essential to helping Ontario take its position as a global leader in the years to come.

During his long and distinguished career as a law enforcement officer, White has held positions in remote communities, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and as chief of police in Durham Region and currently as the chief of police for the Ottawa Police Services Board. Throughout his career, he has made numerous important contributions that have modernized and enhanced policing operations nationally and internationally.

McGillis has enjoyed an eminent and internationally-recognized career as a professional engineer, leader and innovator of new technologies in the field of engineering and, in particular, electric energy systems. Throughout his five-decade career, he has pioneered a number of world firsts in power systems technology that have revolutionized the industry and set new standards for secure, reliable, efficient and environmentally-friendly power transmission across the globe.

Since opening its doors six years ago, the university has grown to more than 5,500 undergraduate students from 54 countries and approximately 100 graduate students. In addition, it has attracted more than $18.3 million in research funding from many sources including contracts and grants from the provincial and federal governments and industry and research foundations. These are some of the key reasons why UOIT has been named one of Canada's Top 50 research universities.

When:
Friday, June 5

10 a.m. - The following degrees will be conferred:

Master of Applied Science;
Master of Engineering;
Master of Science;
Bachelor of Education;
Bachelor of Engineering;
Bachelor of Engineering and Management;
Bachelor of Science; and
Bachelor of Science and Management.

McGillis will receive his honorary Doctor of Science degree and address graduates during the morning ceremony.

2:30 p.m. - The following degrees will be conferred:

Master of Information Technology Security;
Bachelor of Arts;
Bachelor of Commerce;
Bachelor of Information Technology;
Bachelor of Health Science; and
Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Chief White will receive his honorary Doctor of Laws degree and address graduates during the afternoon ceremony.

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
melissa.levy@uoit.ca

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