This afternoon the University of Regina celebrated 988 graduating students who received 1,012 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the Fall 2024 Convocation. This is the first graduating class of the U of R’s 50th year, with the second happening next year at the Spring 2025 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.”
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. — Dr. Jeff Keshen, University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor
Brothers Chris Getzlaf BBA’07 and Ryan Getzlaf also received 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.
“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 Dr. Keshen.
Several graduates were also recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments, volunteer service, and involvement in the community. They include:
The President’s Distinguished Graduate Student Award was 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,” using internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, addressed the high prevalence of depression and anxiety among public safety personnel using internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy.
The President’s Medal was 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 and 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
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
If you missed the livestream of the Fall 2024 Convocation, a recording of the event is available. Visit the University’s Facebook page for more information.
Banner photo: 988 graduates received 1,012 degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the Fall 2024 Convocation. Credit: University Communications and Marketing
About the University of Regina
2024 marks our 50th anniversary as an independent University (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of our 17,200 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates – more than 92,000 alumni enrich communities in Saskatchewan and around the globe. Our research enterprise has grown to 21 research centres and 9 Canada Research Chairs. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.
Let’s go far, together.