Grads urged to make difference in world

 

 

"Together, we make an impressive whole," Harriet Kuhnlein advised graduates from the Faculties of Graduate Studies, Engineering and Health Sciences at Western's 288th Convocation Monday afternoon.

 

Western conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon Kuhnlein in recognition of her work in nutrition with indigenous peoples in Canada, the United States and other parts of the world.

In her citation for Kuhnlein, Dr. Mary-Anne Andrusyszyn, Acting Director of Western's School of Nursing, described her as a woman of vision and someone committed to making a difference to the lives of indigenous people.

Kuhnlein told graduates of the formidable challenge in having to provide for all of the world's population.

“I hope that you, in embarking on your work, do it for your career but also for Mother Earth," she said. “We are counting on you to make the best path to the future."

As part of the afternoon ceremony, the Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Anthony G. Straatman of the Faculty of Engineering; the Marilyn Robinson Award for Excellence in Teaching was presented to Cynthia Dunning of the Faculty of Engineering; and the Hellmuth Prize for Achievement in Research was presented to Rajni Patel of the Faculty of Engineering. The status of Professor Emeritus was conferred upon Professor Arthur Jutan (Applied Mathematics).