Athabasca University Convocation 2010

June 09, 2010

For Immediate Release

 

AU is awarding degrees to 1487 outstanding graduates at Convocation ceremonies June 10-12, 2010 in Athabasca, Alberta. 947 undergraduate and 540 graduate degrees will be conferred over the three days.

The university is also conferring honorary doctorates on three outstanding individuals during Convocation.
On Thursday, June 10, 2010 an Honorary Doctor of Laws will be conferred on Hon. Raymond Charles Lee in recognition of his dedication to the preservation of Chinese Canadian history in Alberta, to the integration of Asian Canadians into the mainstream of Canadian society and to fostering understanding, openness and good relations between Asian and non Asian Canadians. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Lee was appointed as a Citizenship Judge for Calgary, Alberta in December 2006 and served in this capacity until November, 2009.

On Friday, June 11, 2010 an Honorary Doctor of Science will be conferred on Mr. Bill St. Arnaud in recognition of his technical leadership in the design of Canada's national research network (CANARIE) and his tireless efforts to promote the effective utilization of this network. Mr. St. Arnaud is a member of the Internet Society and in 2005 was the recipient of the World Technology Network (WTN) Communications Technology Award.

On Saturday, June 12, 2010 an Honorary Doctor of Laws will be conferred on Dr. Lawrence Lessig in recognition of his outstanding work in advocacy and support of fair copyright legislation. Dr. Lessig is a strong advocate of fair use, open access and open source. Prior to his current tenure at Harvard University, he served as a Professor of Law at Stanford Law School and founded the school's Center for Internet and Society. Dr. Lessig also clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia on the United States Supreme Court.

The Honorary Awards Committee is also pleased to announce the 2010 recipients of the Order of Athabasca University.

On Friday, June 11, 2010, Dr. Dominique Abrioux will be inducted into the Order of Athabasca University in recognition of his leadership and exemplary service to the university. Dr. Abrioux served Athabasca University from 1978 to 2005 holding the position of President from
February, 1995 to May, 2005. During his tenure as President, student enrolment increased to three times what it was at the commencement of his first term, several new programs were opened, the Centre for Research and the Centre for Innovative Management were established and three Canada Research Chairs were awarded.

On Saturday, June 12, 2010 Mrs. Joy Romero will be inducted into the Order of Athabasca University in recognition of her leadership, support, and commitment during her tenure on Athabasca University Governing Council and for work in cultivating the launch of the Learning Communities Project, a major research and development initiative, designed to enhance learning opportunities for adults in northern, rural, remote and aboriginal communities in Alberta. During her tenure as Chair, Athabasca University emerged as a leader in governance principles and practices which led to being nominated for a national governance award. In addition, Mrs. Romero played an integral role in broadening public awareness of AU and its mission throughout Alberta and across Canada.

For more information, contact:
John O'Brien
Manager, Media Relations
Athabasca University
403-298-2931
jobrien@athabascau.ca

 

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Updated August 21, 2012