The Faculty of Engineering is proudly celebrating its graduating class of 2015. At the convocation ceremonies held on June 15th and 16th 2015, almost 900 students received their diplomas.
Prior to the ceremonies, send-off receptions were held at the Alex Trebek Alumni Hall to honour the engineering graduates. Afterwards, the students and their loved ones gathered in the beautiful Southam Hall of the Nationals Arts Centre for the long-awaited ceremonies.
It was an emotional event for the graduates, whose years of hard work had culminated in the celebrations of this week. Parents, relatives, and loved ones watched proudly as the graduates walked across the stage. A new chapter in their story begins; some may be moving on to pursue further studies, while others will be entering the workforce. One thing is certain: every graduate will be leaving uOttawa with not only new knowledge, but also with life-long memories.
Two outstanding students were chosen to speak at the ceremonies. On Monday night, Hanna Ibrahim Farah, graduating with a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, took the stage. After earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Ottawa and working at IBM for several years, Mr. Farah returned to uOttawa to complete his PhD with a spirit of entrepreneurship, working on topics related to privacy in healthcare.
The crowd applauded as he said: “A professor of mine once said: a smart man works for his household, but a genius works for his country. I would like to add to that and say: a genius works for humanity, without borders. Let us together build a better city, a better country, a better planet. I encourage you to promote these values within Canadian companies. Let the next big thing come from here, from Southam Hall where you are graduating today!”
Then, on Tuesday night, Lacy Stockton, graduating with Bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and in Computing Technology, addressed the graduates. Her speech encouraged them to enjoy the present moment: “We’re so often wrapped up in the past. Or the future. How many times have we said: when I just get older, or when I just have money, or when I finally graduate…? Then what? I can tell you from experience: you’ll just focus on the next thing. But this moment is your life. And this is the only moment that will be exactly like this. Don’t miss it.”
Even with her impressive academic accomplishments, numerous awards, and work experience in Latin America, when Ms. Stockton was asked to identify her proudest achievement, she answered that it was without a doubt her family: “Indeed, I was that one girl writing exams at eight months pregnant just over four years ago. And now I'm graduating, working, and enjoying my family. While starting a family during university isn't for the faint of heart, I wouldn't do it differently.”
Sally Daub, a University of Ottawa alumna and one of Canada’s top female entrepreneurs in the PROFIT W100 rankings, also delivered a speech. As CEO and President of ViXS Systems, a global semiconductor company based in Toronto, Ms. Daub embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that the Faculty of Engineering hopes to foster in each student.
The Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Claude Laguë, also offered his congratulations: “It has been a privilege, dear graduates, to have contributed to your education over these past years. On behalf of all the faculty and staff members of the Faculty of Engineering, many of whom are here in attendance tonight, I want to thank you again for having chosen the University of Ottawa. It is now time for you to take your place in the world and to make a difference for the better. This is our greatest wish for each and every one of you. Congratulations on your success and welcome to our large community of engineering and computer science alumni!”
Even with their diplomas in hand, these graduates will never stop being part of the uOttawa community. All are encouraged to participate in alumni events held both on campus and in many cities across Canada. The University of Ottawa Alumni Association is here to help alumni in their careers and in staying connected. Also, starting fall 2015, students and recent graduates can take advantage of the events and services offered by the new uO2.0 program, meant to help them launch their careers.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
For alumni information contact Kyle Bournes | Alumni Relations Officer
Tel.: 613-562-5800 ext. 2545
Email: kbournes@uottawa.ca