UOIT to confer first PhD degrees

OSHAWA, ON. - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will confer close to 1,200 undergraduate and graduate degrees during the 2011 convocation ceremonies on Friday, June 3. This will be a historic event for the university as it will be the first time PhD graduates will cross the stage.

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 health-care advocate Dr. Doris Grinspun, former national political party leader and political scientist Dr. Edward Broadbent, and community leader and broadcast journalist Mr. Daniel Carter for their outstanding contributions and commitment to their professions and communities.

"Congratulations to the class of 2011 and our honorary degree recipients," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president, UOIT. "Convocation is a day to celebrate and recognize our graduates for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with our future leaders and to being inspired as they will be by our honorary degree recipients."

Dr. Doris Grinspun is internationally recognized as a visionary, advocate and tireless champion for the development of a sustainable health-care system and for the health of Ontarians. She is credited for having transformed nursing and health-care policy and practice within the province and beyond to support a stable and effective approach to health human resource planning. Dr. Grinspun also transformed nursing and health-care practice at the bedside with the introduction of best practice guidelines, which are now considered across the globe as the model for bringing evidenced-based research to the point of care.

One of Canada's most distinguished politicians and political scientists, Dr. Edward Broadbent has deep roots in Oshawa, Ontario. He began his political career in 1968 representing the then-riding of Oshawa-Whitby in the House of Commons and subsequently led the New Democratic Party from 1975 to 1989. Dr. Broadbent is known for his hard work to entrench Aboriginal and women's rights in Canada's new Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Dr. Broadbent is also recognized for having initiated the all-party resolution for the elimination of child poverty in 1989, which consequently defined the agenda for the House of Commons in the ensuing decades.

Mr. Daniel Carter has played a significant role in the Durham Region as a supporter, leader and community champion for better education and better opportunities for all. Emerging from a background of immense personal challenge and tragedy, he has become an inspiration and role model to individuals throughout Ontario motivating them to achieve their full potential and to lend a hand to their fellow citizens. Mr. Carter's deep commitment to making a difference to those in need has led to the establishment of a number of community initiatives, including the Hope Centre for Learning at the Oshawa Community Health Centre, the annual Day of Hope and Leadership which has become a signature event for local community leaders, and the Isobel Carter Youth Fund, which provides educational bursaries for youth in the Region. Most recently, he opened the Carter Centre for Media and Cultural Studies in a refurbished Simcoe Street building in downtown Oshawa, Ontario.

When:

Friday, June 3, 2011

9:30 a.m. - The following degrees will be conferred:

• Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) to Dr. Doris Grinspun;
• Doctor of Philosophy;
• Master of Applied Science;
• Master of Engineering;
• Master of Health Science;
• Bachelor of Engineering;
• Bachelor of Engineering and Management;
• Bachelor of Science;
• Bachelor of Health Science; and
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

1:30 p.m. - The following degrees will be conferred:

• Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) to Dr. Edward Broadbent;
• Master of Arts;
• Master of Business Administration;
• Master of Information Technology Security;
• Bachelor of Arts;
• Bachelor of Commerce; and
• Bachelor of Information Technology.

5:30 p.m. - The following degrees will be conferred:

• Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) to Mr. Daniel Carter;
• Master of Education;
• Master of Science;
• Bachelor of Education;
• Bachelor of Science;
• Bachelor of Science (Co-operative Education); and
• Bachelor of Science and Management.

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
289.928.0268 (cell)
melissa.levy@uoit.ca