Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to page-level navigation Go to the Disability Resource Centre Website Go to the DRC Booking Accommodation Portal Go to the Inclusive Technology Lab Website
The University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia Okanagan campus
UBC Okanagan News
  • Research
  • People
    • Student Profile
    • Faculty Profile
    • Alumni Spotlight
  • Campus Life
    • Campus News
    • Student Life
    • Teaching & Learning
  • Community Engagement
  • About the Collection
    • Stories for Media
  • UBCO Events
  • Search All Stories
Home / 2016 / June / 06 / UBC celebrates graduates and student accomplishment
Graduation

UBC celebrates graduates and student accomplishment

June 6, 2016

Convocation takes place June 9 and 10 at UBC's Okanagan campus.

Convocation takes place June 9 and 10 at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

After a year of celebration at UBC Okanagan, the last hurrah takes place this week as the campus recognizes one of its largest graduating classes—more than 1,600 students will cross the stage to accept their UBC degree.

It’s been quite a year, says Deborah Buszard, UBC Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Okanagan campus, noting 2016 graduates are part of a special cohort.

“This spring, in rounding out the celebrations marking 100 years of the University of British Columbia, we have the pleasure of admitting the centennial graduates into the Convocation of UBC,” says Buszard.
“Students at the Okanagan campus have the added distinction of graduating during the tenth anniversary year of UBC Okanagan. I offer my warmest congratulations to all graduates and their families on their achievements, and invite them to stay involved in the life of this great institution.”

Along with the awarding of degrees, teaching and student awards, two UBC Centennial honorary degrees will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies. Honorary Doctor of Science degrees will be bestowed on Thursday, June 9 to astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar and on Friday, June 10 to water scientist David Schindler.

Bondar, a physician and scientist, made history in 1992 as the first Canadian female astronaut and the first neurologist in space when she launched in NASA’s space shuttle Discovery. While in space, Bondar researched the effects that spaceflight and re-adaptation to Earth’s gravity have on astronauts, and she made ground-breaking discoveries in space medicine.

Schindler is an internationally celebrated scientist who has led efforts to protect freshwater resources in Canada and around the world. His groundbreaking research has alerted governments and the public to the environmental effects of pollutants and climate change.

Background

Students from across UBC’s faculties, schools and College of Graduate Studies will be conferred undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees in five ceremonies during spring convocation, all taking place in UBC’s gymnasium:

Thursday, June 9

  • 11 a.m. – Faculty of Health and Social Development
    • School of Health and Exercise Sciences; School of Nursing; School of Social Work
  • 1:30 p.m. – Faculty of Education; Faculty of Management
  • 4 p.m. – Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies; Faculty of Applied Sciences: School of Engineering
    • Honorary degree recipient: Dr. Roberta Bondar

Friday, June 10

  • 8:30 a.m. – Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences: Sciences;
    • Honorary degree recipient: David Schindler
  • 11 a.m. – Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences: Arts

Saturday, June 11

  • 1 p.m. —School of Nursing Rose Ceremony: Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Drive

The Rose Ceremony is marked by the School of Nursing’s presentation of a red rose, symbolizing respect and appreciation, to each nursing graduate. In addition, this year the inaugural Community Rose will be presented by graduate Jacklynne Girard to celebrate community healthcare partners.

Since UBC Okanagan opened its doors in 2005, more than 12,000 degrees have been conferred, starting with the inaugural graduating class of 468 in 2006.

—30—

Media Contact

Patty Wellborn
E-mail: patty.wellborn@ubc.ca

Content type: Media Release
More content from: Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Management, Irving K Barber School of Arts and Sciences (prior July 2020), Okanagan School of Education, School of Engineering, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Social Work

Trending Stories

  • How one student connects AI innovation to wildfire research
  • Robotics, AI advancing wildfire, agricultural research at UBCO
  • Psychedelic mushroom microdoses can improve mood, mental health
  • UBCO professor researches electric passenger light rail for Okanagan Valley
  • Made in Canada breakthrough is a gamechanger in heart valve technology
All Stories
Contact Media Relations

About UBC Okanagan

UBC’s Okanagan campus is an innovative hub for research and learning founded in partnership with local Indigenous peoples, the Syilx Okanagan Nation, in whose traditional, ancestral and unceded territory the campus resides. The most established and influential global rankings all consistently place UBC in the top five per cent of universities in the world, and among the top three Canadian universities.

The Okanagan campus combines a globally recognized UBC education with a tight-knit and entrepreneurial community that welcomes students and faculty from around the world in British Columbia’s stunning Okanagan Valley. For more visit ok.ubc.ca.

Discover more about UBC Okanagan

Find a Program Admissions Book a Tour UBCO Facts
UBC Okanagan Campus News, University Relations

Innovation Precinct Annexation 1 (IA1)
3505 Spectrum Court
Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 2Z1

We respectfully acknowledge the Syilx Okanagan Nation and their peoples, in whose traditional, ancestral, unceded territory UBC Okanagan is situated.

 

Search all stories

Subscribe to receive news by email

Visit UBC's Vancouver news room

Global and Admin Messages

News

Okanagan Campus

TikTok icon Linkedin icon

UBC Okanagan News
Okanagan Campus
3333 University Way
Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7
Find us on
  
Back to top
The University of British Columbia
  • Emergency Procedures |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Copyright |
  • Accessibility