At a moment when communities need bolder visionary voices, Mount Saint Vincent University spring 2026 graduates crossed the stage with both the knowledge and passion needed to be changemakers.
During spring convocation ceremonies held May 15 and 16, more than 600 students from arts, science, education, and professional programs joined the university’s global alumni community, now more than 40,000 strong.
The message to graduates that defined the celebration was this: their influence matters.
Dr. Lisa LaFlamme, O.C., O.Ont., global journalist and human rights activist – and the first woman to anchor CTV’s national newscast – received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the ceremony.
Dr. LaFlamme noted that convocation is not an ordinary achievement, because education remains out of reach for so many around the world. She called on graduates to use their education, curiosity, and humanity to foster community and shape a better world. “Education is not just a personal achievement, it’s a form of power and what you do with that power matters,” she said.
“We’re living in a time when community feels very fragile,” Dr. LaFlamme continued. “We scroll more than we speak. We react more than we reflect. And sometimes we let algorithms decide what we see, what we believe, and even what we value. … One thing I hope you hold onto is your ability to think for yourself, be critical thinkers. This is not a lost art, it’s just been a little dormant. Ask a lot of questions, kids to do this so naturally. It can be exhausting for the adults around them, but it is actually a pretty good habit to hold on to. … Look for voices that challenge you, not just the ones that comfort you.”
“The world doesn’t need perfect people. It needs thoughtful people, curious people, people willing to listen, to lead, and to care about something beyond themselves. I hope that you will be those people,” Dr. LaFlamme said. (Watch Dr. Lisa LaFlamme’s full address here)
MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Joël Dickinson challenged graduates to be champions committed to the success of others, not gatekeepers, noting that MSVU is an organization filled with champions. She called on graduates to build others up. She also reminded that kindness and leadership can co-exist. “Leadership requires honesty, and honesty does not always have to be harsh. You can have difficult conversations and be kind too,” she said.
Student prizes
Students from across the MSVU community were celebrated for their extraordinary achievements.
The Valedictorian Prize for significant contributions to extracurricular activities at MSVU and in the community-at-large was awarded to:
- Orinari Francis Wokoma, Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study, Rivers State, Nigeria
- Suwela Paim Vassoa, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Maputo, Mozambique
- Ummay Moutushi, Master of Education in Educational Foundations, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The President’s Prize, awarded to graduates whose generosity, energy, and commitment enrich the university, was presented to:
- Robyn Mansfield, Bachelor of Arts in History (Hons), Enfield, NS
- Orinari Francis Wokoma, Master of Arts in Child and Youth Study, Rivers State, Nigeria
- Mandi Maier, Master of Arts in Communication, Regina, SK
- Ummay Moutushi, Master of Education in Educational Foundations, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Membership to Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, is based on scholarship, leadership, and service, and was presented to:
- Leah Gorman, Bachelor of Arts, Lower Sackville
- Amber Duynisveld, Master of Arts in Family Studies and Gerontology, Halifax, NS
- Kristen Hannah, Bachelor of Public Relations (Co-operative Education Route), Halifax, NS
- Josyl Headley, Master of Education in Lifelong Learning, Halifax, NS
The Governor General’s Medal is presented once per year for the highest aggregate in the final three years of a degree program (undergraduate) and the top graduating Master’s student. It was awarded to:
- Undergraduate: Rileigh Crowe, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Ottawa, ON
- Graduate: Robert DeLaet, Master of Public Relations, London, ON
Faculty awards
Professors Emeriti
The title of professor emeritus is bestowed on retiring faculty who have demonstrated sustained and continued involvement in furthering significant aspects of the university’s mission. This spring, MSVU awarded two professors this special recognition:
- Arthur McCalla in the Departments of Philosophy and Religious Studies; and
- Ardra Cole in the Faculty of Education.
Teaching Excellence Awards
- Dr. Juliette Valcke, Department of Modern Languages – President and Vice Presidents’ Advanced Career Teaching Award
- Dr. Andrea Fraser, Faculty of Education – Alumni Early Career Teaching Award
- Dr. Carolyn Birnie-Porter, Department of Psychology – Alumni Part-time Faculty Teaching Award
The President’s Award for Research Excellence:
Dr. G. Michael Bowen, Faculty of Education