University of Regina celebrates 50th Fall 2024 Convocation

During the University of Regina’s milestone year, 988 graduating students will be receiving 1012 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at today’s convocation.

“It has been a remarkable 50 years since the first graduating class crossed the stage in Fall 1974 to receive their parchment and become University of Regina graduates. The University has grown exponentially over the years, in the number of students, in our academic programs, in our research and knowledge creation, and in our economic and social impact on the city and province,” said U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen. “To our newest alumni, congratulations! Your education provides the foundation for continued success and, as we look to the future, I encourage you to use your talents, skills, and education to create a better tomorrow for all, and in doing so, live the U of R‘s motto: As One Who Serves.”

University of Regina Chancellor Pam Klein said, “To our graduating students, you have worked diligently to earn your credentials and can proudly join our family of more than 92,000 alumni. As one of those alumni, I fondly recall my time as a student at the U of R and the knowledge, experiences and lifelong friendships I gained which have supported me throughout my career.”

Brothers Chris Getzlaf (U of R alumni) and Ryan Getzlaf will each receive an honorary Doctor of Laws. These two worthy recipients have each had legendary careers as professional athletes – Chris Getzlaf, as a Grey Cup champion with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Ryan Getzlaf, as a Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks and two-time Olympic Gold medallist with Team Canada. (See attached backgrounder for more information.)

“When the award was explained as recognition of exceptional professional or personal accomplishments, and service to community, it was extremely flattering that our names were brought to the table,” said Chris Getzlaf.

“Receiving this honorary degree from the University of Regina, in the city where I was born and grew up in, is quite humbling,” said Ryan Getzlaf. “To find out that my brother Chris would also be receiving an honorary degree from the U of R during the convocation ceremony makes it even more special.”

“For their incredible individual accomplishments on the field and in the rink, and for their shared commitment to giving back to the community, it is a distinct pleasure to present Chris and Ryan with these honorary degrees, the highest recognition the University can bestow,” said Keshen.

Several graduates are also being recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments, volunteer service and involvement in the community. They include:

The President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Award is awarded to Dr. Hugh McCall, PhD in Clinical Psychology. The award, presented during Fall convocation, recognizes outstanding academic performance in a graduate program. Dr. McCall’s thesis titled “Impact of an online discussion forum on self-guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for Canadian public Safety personnel: A randomized trial” addressed the high prevalence of depression and anxiety among public safety personnel using internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy. Dr. McCall has published 20 papers, 10 as lead author, accumulated 285 citations, authored several conference presentations, and has presented in Canada and internationally.

The President’s Medal is awarded to Elizabeth Marianne Roberts who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with Great Distinction. The University of Regina President’s Medal is awarded at each Convocation to a student receiving a first undergraduate degree who has shown academic excellence, as well as major leadership in and commitment to extra-curricular activities. Roberts is graduating with a program grade point average of 86.1 per cent.  She has demonstrated leadership and commitment to helping others as a member of the Undergraduate Nursing Students Association and various volunteer activities. She is also being awarded the Faculty of Nursing and School of Nursing Dean’s Medal.

Other academic award recipients include:

Jenna Dawn Casey – Bachelor of Education After Degree Convocation Prize
Miranda Derkson – Faculty of Business Administration Dean’s Medal and University Prize in Business Administration
Aleen Hasnani – Faculty of Science Dean's Medal and University Prize in Science
Emily Grace Herzberger – Faculty of Arts Dean’s Medal
Thi Thuy Duong Le – Faculty of Social Work Dean’s Medal and University Prize in Social Work
Mikayla Teresa Peterson – Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Dean's Medal and University Prize in Engineering and Applied Science
Abby Kate Vickers Phair – University Prize in Arts
Elizabeth Marianne Roberts – Faculty of Nursing and School of Nursing Dean’s Medal
Tianna Emilie Rosa Sauer – College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan Gold Medal for Excellence in Clinical Practice
Laikyn Emily Schmalz – Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Award
Erica Dawn Sembaluk-Hart – University Prize in Kinesiology and Health Studies

The convocation ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in the main Gymnasium in the Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport on the University’s main campus. A live stream of the ceremony will be available on the University’s Facebook page, and a recording of the proceedings will be posted to allow those unable to attend in person, to view the celebration online.

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