Contact:
Marianne Meadahl, PAMR, 778.782.4323/9017; 604.209.5770 cell; Marianne_Meadahl@sfu.ca

Simon Fraser University’s Spring Convocation begins tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 pm (June 11) with the first of seven colourful processions across the AQ pond and into Convocation Mall. After that the ceremonies begin at 9:45 am and 2:30 pm each day. Note that honorary degrees are typically conferred within the first half hour.

Nearly 4,800 students have completed degrees and are eligible to participate in the ceremonies, which open with short informal performances by the six-time world champion SFU Pipe Band at the AQ pond.

On that note, Thursday afternoon’s ceremony will be particularly sweet for the band – its leaders, Jack and Terry Lee, are among honorary degree recipients this week. They’ll be part of the convocation procession – led by their own pipers - into the mall where an honorary doctor of fine arts degree will be conferred on each. Dressed in convocation gowns and caps, they’ll play their pipes together.

Other distinguished honorary degree recipients (who will all deliver speeches) include noted Indian actor Shabana Azmi (June 12 afternoon), Vancouver architect Barry Downs (June 11 afternoon), Canadian senator and innovator Kelvin Ogilvie (June 13 morning), research entomologist and author Andy MacKinnon (June 14 morning) and Anglican bishop Michael Ingham (June 14 afternoon).

For more on interesting grad stories and a list of grads from B.C. hometowns check www.sfu.ca/pamr.

Members of the media are welcome to attend and shoot photos/video during the ceremonies. A balcony on the south side of convocation mall is also reserved for media. Badges are available for those wishing to take photos closer to the stage.

If you are attending please stop at the information office when you first reach campus for a parking pass/details. Members of PAMR are also able to help with any questions, feel free to contact our general office at 778.782.3210.

Simon Fraser University is Canada's top-ranked comprehensive university and one of the top 50 universities in the world under 50 years old. With campuses in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey, B.C., SFU engages actively with the community in its research and teaching, delivers almost 150 programs to more than 30,000 students, and has more than 120,000 alumni in 130 countries.

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Simon Fraser University: Engaging Students. Engaging Research. Engaging Communities.