YORK UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION TO CONFER 8,000 DEGREES ON FIRST, FINEST<p>

YORK UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION TO CONFER 8,000 DEGREES ON FIRST, FINEST

TORONTO, November 7, 1997 -- York University will confer approximately 8,000 graduate and undergraduate degrees, two honorary degrees, and Canada's first PhD in Women's Studies during this year's combined spring and fall convocation ceremonies on Sunday, November 9, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St. W.

York University's Class of 1997 will participate in a pair of two-part ceremonies, modelled on Harvard University's graduation exercises. The conferring of degrees and presentation of PhD candidates will occur during two pan-University ceremonies -- one at 11:00 a.m., the second at 6 p.m. -- both held in the Convention Centre's North Building, Level 300, Exhibit Hall 'B'. Those ceremonies will include remarks by York University President Dr. Lorna Marsden and York University Chancellor Arden Haynes as well as an address by the honorary degree recipient. Graduates will then proceed to separate halls to receive their diplomas from their own Faculties and Colleges in smaller ceremonies starting at 12:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.

"Today's ceremonies are a reminder of the range and rapidity of York University's success in establishing innovative programs, in attracting top-notch faculty and students, and in contributing to the community and the country's body of knowledge and research. And I am delighted to welcome to the York family the distinguished honorary degree recipients John Harbron and Doris Anderson," said Marsden.

This year's graduation exercises were moved off campus to accommodate graduates from both spring and fall convocation. The spring convocation, which is usually held in separate ceremonies over a week, was postponed because of last spring's strike by full-time faculty.

Highlights of the morning's ceremonies, which begin at 11:00 a.m., include:

An address by distinguished journalist and scholar John D. Harbron, who will receive a Doctor of Letters honoris causa. Harbron, who has been recognized by both the Columbia School of Journalism and the Government of Spain for his excellence and expertise in military affairs, international business, Canadian foreign policy, and Latin American affairs, served as foreign affairs analyst for Thomson newspapers and associate editor of the Toronto Telegram. He wrote such books as The Longest Battle: the RCN in the North Atlantic, a study of the Canadian navy during World War II, and Trafalgar and the Spanish Navy, an account of Spanish naval power in the 18th century. Harbron, a former adjunct professor of York's Atkinson College, also contributed to the birth and early development of York.

The announcement of Award and Medal recipients, including:

The Murray G. Ross Award to Ms Sara Bergson. A Rhodes Scholar finalist currently studying at Cambridge University on a Commonwealth Scholarship, Ms Bergson completed her BA (Major in Psychology, Minor in History) in 1997. During her years at York, she earned numerous academic distinctions and a reputation as a committed, caring and engaged individual. In addition to being a lively member of York's Senate, a valued participant in many Faculty and University mentoring, orientation and liaison programs, she was also a committed community volunteer and a former guest lecturer at the Canadian Jewish Congress Symposium on Anti-Semitism and Racism.

The Governor General's Gold Medal to Dr. Marc Amyot, PhD in Biology. After successfully defending his dissertation at York entitled "Photochemical Processes Influencing the Cycling of Mercury in Arctic, Temperate and Sub-Tropical Lakes," Dr. Amyot continued his scholarly work as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Princeton University. His many published works have been lauded for both their scientific contributions and their accessible, elegant prose. Dr. Amyot's research has taken him to sites throughout North America, and he has been supported by a string of scholarships and grants, including a 1995-96 Fulbright Fellowship. He recently accepted a tenure-stream appointment at the University of Ottawa.

Governor General's Silver Medal to:

Ms Karen Jackson. B.Sc. (Combined Honours Degree in Biology and Kinesiology & Health Science) Since coming to York in 1993 as the John S. Proctor Scholar, Ms Jackson earned A+ in nearly all of her academic courses. Her academic achievements have earned her a long list of honors, including: a Canada Scholarship; the Chemistry Hall of Fame Award; the YUFA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship; the Frank Cosentino Book Prize; the Stuart G. Robbins Book Prize; the Mary and George Flint Scholarship; and inscriptions in the President's and the School of Physical Education's Honor Roll. Complementing Ms Jackson's academic excellence is her athletic prowess which led to her selection to the Canadian National Basketball Team.

Mr. Peter Azavedo, B.A. (History), Atkinson College. Now enrolled in York's graduate program in History, Azavedo received numerous accolades as an undergraduate, including the Atkinson College Students' Association Award, the Major Programme (History) Scholarship, The YUFA Foundation Harry S. Crowe Memorial Scholarship and the Joseph Woods Memorial Prize. Known for his maturity and inquisitiveness, insight and dedication, Azavedo was also recognized for the generous and inspirational qualities he displayed in encouraging other students. Mr. Azavedo is a supply teacher with the Durham Separate School board, a proud father of three, and an active member of the community of Ajax.

Highlights of the evening ceremonies, which begin at 6:00 p.m., include:

An address by distinguished journalist, author and activist Doris H. Anderson, who will receive a Doctor of Laws honoris causa. Ms Anderson, who was most recently named the first female Chair of the Ontario Press Council, is a former editor of Chatelaine and one-time president of the National Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Anderson is the author of three novels and two nonfiction books. Her autobiograhpy, Rebel Daughter, was published last year. She was appointed to the News Hall of Fame in 1981 and is an Officer of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.

The awarding of the first Doctorate in Women's Studies, not only at York University, but in Canada, to Katherine Side. (Dissertation "In the Shadow of the Family: Women's Friendships with Women.") .

Graduates from this convocation will join the ranks of York University's more than 130,000 alumni, many of whom are making their mark worldwide in business, academia, politics, the arts and community service. York University, founded in 1959, is the third largest university in Canada and is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and award-winning teaching. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, opportunities for bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campus in one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.

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For more information, please contact:

Sine MacKinnon
Senior Advisor for Media Relations
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087
email: sinem@yorku.ca

Alison Masemann
Media Relations Officer
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
email: masemann@yorku.ca
YU/095/97

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