By Tom Mark

UBC Okanagan Prepares For Grads

Jun 5, 2018 | 8:52 AM

It’s a big week at UBC Okanagan with more 1,750 students graduating with their degrees.

Convocation ceremonies for the class of 2018 will be held Thursday and Friday.

The University says it’s one of the largest grad classes in UBC Okanagan’s history, illustrating the growth that continues to shape the university.

Of the 1,752 degrees being presented, 107 students will earn their master’s degree and 33 are being conferred as PhDs.

Two honorary degrees will also be issued Thursday.

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Astrophysicist Victoria Kaspi will receive an honorary Doctor of Science while Rosalind Williams will be presented with a Doctor of Letters.

As well, the University faculty will celebrate a first when chemistry Professor Stephen McNeil is presented with the Killam Teaching Prize.

It is given to a professor nominated by students, colleagues and alumni in recognition of excellence in teaching.

The Governor General Gold Medal Winner, an award presented to the student with the highest academic accomplishment at a university, will also be presented Thursday morning.

Three convocation ceremonies will be held Friday for students in the School of Engineering, the Faculty of Management, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Health and Social Development- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, School of Nursing and the School of Social Work.

Mission Hill Family Estate founder Anthony von Mandl will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws at Friday’s 11 a.m. ceremony.

Education professor Leyton Schnellert and School of Engineering Professor Yang Cao will be presented with the Teaching Award of Excellence and Innovation. at the 8:30 a.m. ceremony that day.

“Over the past 13 years we’ve watched with pride as UBC Okanagan’s graduating classes have grown along with the campus,” says Deborah Buszard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “As the campus continues to develop – including with the opening of the new Commons building later this year – we look forward to seeing the impact of UBC Okanagan’s newest alumni in their communities and around the world.”

by Tom Mark