UOIT achieves more milestones with 2012 convocation

OSHAWA, ON - The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) celebrates its largest graduating class on Friday, June 8, with approximately 1,600 undergraduate and graduate degrees conferred during its convocation ceremonies. This was a significant event for the university with graduates of the following programs crossing the stage for the first time: Nuclear Technology (graduate diploma), Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Georgian College cohort.

"Congratulations to the class of 2012 and our honorary degree recipients," said UOIT President Tim McTiernan, PhD. “UOIT’s technology-enriched learning environment and practical learning experiences have prepared our graduates to lead and succeed in the 21^st-century workplace.”

Honorary doctorate degree recipients energy leader Laura Formusa, safe energy advocate Tom Mitchell, and community leader and broadcast journalist Ken Shaw will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their profession and communities.

Mrs. Laura Formusa is president and chief executive officer of Hydro One. She is a tireless advocate for diversity and has worked vigorously throughout her career to help women and minorities find equal opportunities in non‐traditional sectors, such as energy. At Hydro One, she led the company through substantial transformation, which included the installation of more than one million smart meters across the province, and the Bruce to Milton Transmission Reinforcement Project, one of the largest transmission projects undertaken in North America. Under her leadership Hydro One topped the list of the 2009 Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, sustainability and green business. In 2011, Mrs. Formusa’s extraordinary leadership led to her induction into Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Hall of Fame.

Mr. Tom Mitchell is president and chief executive officer at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Throughout his 30-year career, he has dedicated himself to ensuring the safe, reliable and environmentally responsible production of nuclear energy worldwide – including in Ontario. His commitment to safe and clean energy helped advance OPG’s progress in drilling a massive tunnel under the City of Niagara Falls, which will divert water from the Niagara River to the Sir Adam Beck Generating Stations. This extraordinary feat of engineering will strengthen Ontario’s ability to meet its energy needs from clean sources for the next century. He is also committed to partnering with Ontario’s First Nation and Métis communities. Under his leadership, OPG has worked with these communities to build long-term, mutually beneficial commercial partnerships in new hydroelectric development and to minimize the impact such development may have on local culture, heritage and archaeology. Mr. Mitchell has worked hard to develop a culture of respect and inclusiveness at OPG and to ensure the development of programs which encourage employees to achieve their highest potential.

Mr. Ken Shaw is the steadfast anchor and national editor of CTV News Toronto, where he has reported on the news of the day for more than 25 years. Mr. Shaw also devotes a great deal of his time and energy to various local charities and community events. He is a director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada and ProAction Cops & Kids. He is also the chair of the Abilities Centre in Whitby, which is building a new world‐class, universal design facility that will offer physical and performing arts activities for people of all ages and abilities. His many outstanding contributions to the community have been recognized through his receipt of the 2008 Gold Ribbon Award for Outstanding Community Service, the prestigious appointment to the Order of Ontario in 2009 and the 2012 City of Oshawa Legends Recognition Award.

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About UOIT

UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. More than 8,400 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by world-class professors who are experts in their field. Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the faculties of Business and Information Technology; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; Science; and Social Science and Humanities. UOIT's commitment to research excellence and innovation has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five prestigious Canada Research Chairs, with another four in development, and six industrial research chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

Media contact:

Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
289.928.0268 (cell)
melissa.levy@uoit.ca