There's nothing quite so stirring and distinctive as the sound of the SFU Pipe Band serenading our graduates at convocation. This week, it was SFU's turn to serenade brother-bandleaders Jack and Terry Lee.

At the June 13 afternoon ceremony, the brothers became honorary Doctors of Fine Arts in recognition of three decades of outstanding community service at the helm of our internationally renowned band.

Under the brothers' leadership, the SFU Pipe Band has become one of our most celebrated ambassadors and has earned six world championships. Congratulations and thank you, Jack and Terry!

SFU also recognized five other distinguished individuals with honorary degrees: visionary architect Barry Downs; actress and humanitarian Shabana Azmi; scientist and senator Kelvin Ogilvie; research ecologist Andy MacKinnon; and Anglican Bishop Michael Ingham.

The contributions and commitments of these individuals personify SFU’s values as an ‘engaged university.’ In the spirit of engagement they have directed their talents and energies toward the greater good, and thereby serve as role models to our students and to the communities we serve.

This week’s convocation ceremonies mark a significant accomplishment in the lives of our students as they transition from students to alumni.

It's my sincere hope that as they continue their journey of discovery in the years ahead they will stay connected with SFU while becoming the engaged global citizens we have inspired them to be.

Congratulations and best wishes to all our graduates and their families!