University of Regina’s 2022 Spring Convocation celebrates nearly 2,500 graduates
The University of Regina’s 2022 Spring Convocation, being held June 8, 9 and 10, celebrates the accomplishments of 2,491 students who are receiving 2,673 degrees, certificates and diplomas.
“It is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience to see these students – many of whom have spent the last four or more years with us – cross the stage to receive their parchments and become graduates and alumni of our University,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen. “We are grateful to have been able to play a role in their educational journey and look forward to their continued growth and success in all their future endeavours.”
“Over the next three days we join family and friends in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of almost 2,500 students who, through long hours of study, hard work and perseverance, have earned the credentials they are receiving,” University of Regina Chancellor Pam Klein said. “It is my distinct pleasure to serve as chair of the University’s annual Spring Convocation ceremonies and to applaud a truly life-changing achievement for these students.”
The University will also recognize three distinguished honorary degree recipients – Colette Bourgonje, Brigitte Baptiste, and Dr. Saqib Shahab – at this Spring Convocation (see news release from June 7).
Several of our graduates are also being recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, volunteerism and community building, including:
The recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance by a graduate student is Dr. Safa Bakheet Alsafari, who has earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. Dr. Alsafari’s doctoral dissertation focused on developing new and effective models for detecting offensive and hate speech on Arabic social media. Her work has been cited 22 times in recent research publications and read 327 times on the research gate platform. Parts of her dissertation have also been presented at conferences and published in in top conferences and journals in the field. This research effort resulted in two peer-reviewed journal publications, one of which is an ISI-indexed journal.
Kendra Ashley Lemieux is the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal recipient. This award is presented to the most distinguished graduating student receiving a first degree, and is based on academic excellence. Lemieux graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics, with Great Distinction and a minor in Psychology, as well as a cumulative grade point average of 94.13 per cent. Enrolled through Campion College, Lemieux has received numerous awards for academic achievement. She is also the recipient of the University Prize in Science, which is awarded to the most distinguished student graduating with a first degree from the Faculty of Science.
The recipient of the University of Regina President’s Medal is Emily Lillian Lints, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in English (Co-operative Education). This award is given to a student receiving a first degree who has demonstrated academic excellence as well as exceptional leadership and commitment to extra-curricular activities. Lints graduates with a grade point average of 84.77 per cent. Outside of her studies, she has been involved in the English Students’ Association, played a role in forming the U of R Undergraduate Research Journal, and is a highly-engaged community volunteer. Lints is also the recipient of the Faculty of Arts Dean’s Medal, which recognizes the academic achievements of an outstanding student in the Faculty of Arts.
The University Medal is presented annually at Spring Convocation to the most distinguished undergraduate student based on academic achievement during the previous 12 months (with a minimum of 30 credit hours in two terms). Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Carissa Rose Grace Melnyk. Melnyk is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program through Campion College. Her grade point average over the past 12 months is 98.50 per cent, and she has earned 100 per cent in five courses. Beyond her academic commitments, Melnyk started Cards for Kindness, a project through which volunteers send messages of compassion to cancer patients at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre.
Other graduates being recognized for their achievements include:
Ashley Balzer, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science Dean’s Medal
Joy Barness, Myrtle A. McGee Prize 1
Chase Ellingson, Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies Dean’s Medal
Elenna LaPlante, Society of Chemical Industry Canadian Section, Merit Awards (Biochemistry)
Jaemaynn Hoey, University Prize in Social Work, the Faculty of Social Work Dean's Convocation Prize, and the Faculty of Social Work Dean's Medal
Hudson Paul, Leon Goldman Scholarship
Jennifer Verrett, Dr. Robert M. Agnew Memorial Award
Johnna Parenteau, SE Stewart Prize in Arts, and the Barbara Gleiberman Prize in Religious Studies
Josephine Craig Penner, President Donald O. Wells Medal in Engineering
Brittney Leitner, Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation Award
Mackenzie Moore, Faculty of Science Dean’s Medal
Mark Ramsdell, University of Regina German Achievement Scholarship
Matthew Degenhardt, Faculty of Media, Art and Performance Dean's Medal
Maximillian Biezenski, Leslie A Dybvig Scholarship in Ethics
Mikayla Koronkiewicz, Dr. Jack Boan Medal
Morgan Thibodeau, Alexandra E. Graham Memorial Scholarship
Natalie Sands, Bachelor of Education After Degree Convocation Prize 1
Emily Nishikawa, Bachelor of Education After Degree Convocation Prize 2
Olivia Lawrence, James M. Minifie Award
Dana Rollenfitsch, Myrtle A. McGee Prize 2
Rose Mansbridge-Goldie, CTV Investigative Journalism Prize
Ryland Duke, Society of Chemical Industry Canadian Section, Merit Awards (Chemistry)
Sara Gira, Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association Gold Medal for Excellence in Clinical Practice, and the Dr. Sheila Dresen Prize in Nursing
Wil Norton, Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of Saskatchewan Gold Medals (Engineering), and the Johnson and Perry Award In Co-op Engineering
Kaylyn Veresh, Faculty of Business Administration Dean's Medal
Zak Anika, W.A. Riddell Award in Media, Art, and Performance
Zoha Mansoor, University Prize in Kinesiology and Health Studies
In-person convocation ceremonies are being held each day at 2 p.m. in Main Gym (3), Centre for Kinesiology, Health and Sport, University of Regina main campus. A live stream of the ceremonies will be posted on the University of Regina’s Facebook page so students, family and friends unable to attend in person, can watch and celebrate online.
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About the University of Regina
Set in the heart of the Canadian prairies we are a comprehensive, mid-sized university where the opportunities are as limitless as the horizon. Our campuses are on Treaty 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. It is our responsibility to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future for all. Our three federated colleges, 10 faculties, 25 academic departments, and 18 research centres foster innovative research with practical and theoretical applications. We are committed to cultivating the potential of our 16,700 students and supporting their health and well-being. We take learning beyond the classroom through work and volunteer experiences to develop career-ready graduates.
Let’s go far, together.