Bishop’s University Celebrates Its 199th Convocation Ceremony

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Bishop’s University proudly hosted its 199th Convocation ceremonies in the historic Denver Gymnasium. Across two ceremonies—morning and afternoon—the Eastern Townships institution celebrated the accomplishments of approximately 600 graduands, while also recognizing outstanding contributions to the university community and honoring distinguished individuals with awards for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and engagement.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies for both events was Mrs. Jacquie Scott, a proud graduate of the Class of 1990 and Associate Vice-Principal, Alumni Relations and Philanthropy. With warmth and eloquence, she guided the ceremonies, underscoring the significance of the occasion for graduates, faculty, staff, and families alike.

“The word ‘convocation,’ from the Latin convocare, means ‘to call together,’ ‘to summon,’” explained Mrs. Scott in her opening remarks. “Today’s ceremony summons us to a moment of great shared significance. In it, we celebrate the joy of learning, the advancement of knowledge, the transformative bonds of friendship, the power of perseverance, and the deep satisfaction of achievement.”

The ceremonies began with the traditional Academic Procession, led by the Eastern Townships Pipe Band. This long-standing tradition saw faculty members and dignitaries, dressed in formal academic regalia, proceed into the hall. The graduands themselves entered first to enthusiastic applause, a moment filled with pride and emotion as families and friends gathered to witness the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Following them, the Convocation party—including faculty, honorary degree recipients Timothy K. Griffin and Marie-Philip Poulin, the Chancellor, and the Principal—took their places on stage.

The proceedings opened with a land acknowledgement delivered by Pascale Obomsawin, a member of Bishop’s Board of Governors and a representative of the Odanak community. Her words grounded the ceremony in respect and reflection. Adding a musical moment of poignancy, five Bishop’s graduates performed I’ll Remember You, with words by Bob Dylan and an arrangement by Bishop’s philosophy professor, Dr. Jamie Crooks.

Honorary Doctorates of Civil Law

One of the highlights of Convocation is the awarding of honorary degrees to individuals whose achievements and contributions exemplify the university’s values.

During the morning ceremony, Bishop’s Chancellor, Daniel Fournier, introduced Tim Griffin, a member of the Class of 1971 and co-lead of the university’s “Leading the Way” campaign, as the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law. Reflecting on Mr. Griffin’s time as a student, Chancellor Fournier noted his deep engagement in campus life, from journalism and film to athletics and theatre.

“Tim arrived at Bishop’s and quickly took advantage of everything the University had to offer,” said Fournier. “All of your friends and colleagues have commented that you lead by example, you treat everyone the same way, and you roll up your sleeves and get things done.”

In his address to the graduating class, Mr. Griffin encouraged students to embrace philanthropy and community involvement as they move forward in life.

“As you leave this chapter of your lives and begin building the next one, I encourage you to add one more goal to your list of life’s possibilities,” he said. “Find a way, at some point, to engage yourself in philanthropy—in other words, to volunteer. It’s not about fundraising; it’s about the cause, the vision, and the belief that you can make things better for others.”

He concluded with a timeless quote from Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

In the afternoon ceremony, Dr. Erika Gray, Professor in the Department of Sports Studies, presented the citation for Marie-Philip Poulin, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law. Widely recognized as one of Canada’s most accomplished hockey players and a leader both on and off the ice, Poulin was praised for her character, influence, and commitment to inspiring others.

“She is a true leader,” said Dr. Gray. “Her credibility, enthusiasm, honesty, and commitment to building strong cultures set her apart. “Marie-Philip Poulin is an inspiration beyond hockey, and beyond sport. She has made it her mission to uphold: ‘If I can see, I can be’, showing girls and women that they can dream boldly, and be authentically themselves in the achievement of their dreams.”

Now formally Dr. Marie-Philip Poulin, the captain of Montreal’s La Victoire addressed the Class of 2026 with a message rooted in resilience and teamwork.

“One of the greatest lessons hockey has taught me is that failure is not the opposite of success—it is part of success,” she shared. “Failure teaches resilience, humility, responsibility, and growth.”

She emphasized the importance of relationships and character, noting that success is not only defined by achievements but also by how we treat others.

“Be a great teammate—not just in sport, but in life,” she said. “Wherever you go, you will be part of a team. And people never forget how you make them feel.”

Alumni Recognition

Convocation also provided an opportunity to celebrate outstanding Bishop’s alumni whose accomplishments reflect the university’s enduring impact.

Lily Schricker ’22 was named Young Alumna of the Year in recognition of her academic excellence and leadership in international affairs. After graduating with distinction, she pursued a Master’s degree at Carleton University and is currently completing her law degree at McGill University. Her work in diplomacy, governance, and Indigenous–Settler relations demonstrates both intellectual rigor and social commitment.

Chad Schella ’94 was honored as Alumnus of the Year. A former valedictorian and two-term Student Representative Council President, Schella has built a distinguished career in public affairs and government relations, currently serving as Associate Vice-President at CIBC. His contributions to community development include helping establish the Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice. His continued dedication to service reflects the spirit of leadership cultivated at Bishop’s.

Valedictory Addresses

Representing the voices of the graduating class, Joseph Aubert (Bachelor of Business) and Anastasija Ferraby (Bachelor of Science) delivered the valedictory addresses, each offering a deeply personal reflection on the Bishop’s experience.

Joseph Aubert spoke about finding belonging within the university community, recalling memorable moments such as serenading the Principal early in his academic journey.

“At first, university felt intimidating,” he admitted. “But it quickly became home. I wasn’t just beginning a degree—I was entering a community.”

He reflected on how Bishop’s fosters participation, service, and leadership, encouraging students to look beyond personal gain toward collective contribution.

“Many of us stopped asking, ‘What can I get from this community?’ and started asking, ‘What can I give back?’ That, to me, is the essence of Bishop’s.”

Anastasija Ferraby highlighted the transformative power of education and resilience. As a recipient of the Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship, she credited Bishop’s with shaping her path and opening opportunities.

“Resilience is not a single moment—it is a process,” she explained. “It grows quietly through everyday choices and perseverance.”

She acknowledged the challenges many students faced and the strength they developed along the way, emphasizing that the university experience extends far beyond academics.

“Our transcripts show the hours of hard work,” she said, “but what made this journey meaningful were the people who gave it purpose. Ce voyage a été significatif grâce aux personnes qui lui ont donné son sens.”

Special Awards

A number of prestigious awards were presented to recognize excellence in teaching, academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

The William and Nancy Turner Award for Excellence in Teaching, the university’s highest teaching honour, was awarded to Dr. Jacob Robbins-Kanter. Selected jointly by the Students’ Representative Council and the Teaching and Learning Committee, the award recognizes exceptional teaching, leadership, and dedication to student success.

The Governor General’s Gold Medal, awarded to the top graduate student, was presented by Dr. Peros to Mélanie Letendre Jauniaux for achieving the highest academic standing in a graduate program.

The Governor General’s Silver Medal, recognizing the top undergraduate student, was awarded to valedictorian Anastasija Ferraby by Dr. Virginia Stroeher, Chair of the Biology and Biochemistry Department.

The Honourable G. Howard Ferguson Cup, awarded to the student who contributed most to university life, was presented by Dr. Brad Willms to Charles-André Robert.

Additional honours included the Norman Webster Prize, awarded to Sonoma Brawley for excellence in a multi-disciplinary program combined with extracurricular involvement, and the Charles A. Shearson Memorial Prize, awarded to Raffale Caligiuri for outstanding academic and extracurricular achievements.

The Golden Mitre Award, the highest non-academic honour for students, was presented to Chloé Beauvais, Tessa Bradshaw, Lauren Macneil, Taylor Morgan, and Olivia Woods for their exceptional service to the student body. Olivia Woods also received the Julie Bradshaw Award, given to the student receiving the highest number of votes among Golden Mitre recipients.

The Joan and Alex Paterson Award, recognizing outstanding off-campus volunteerism, was awarded to Emily Miller.

Closing Reflections

In his closing remarks, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Sébastien Lebel-Grenier invited graduates to reflect on their time at Bishop’s through the values of inclusion, diversity, and curiosity.

“I encourage you to look to those who came before you for inspiration,” he said. “Bishop’s graduates have consistently demonstrated innovation and leadership, grounded in both academic and personal growth.”

He reminded graduates that their education extends beyond the classroom and equips them to make meaningful contributions to society.

“Be confident in your ability to be agents of change and sources of inspiration,” he concluded. “And commit to building a better world for those who will follow.”

As the ceremonies drew to a close, the Class of 2026 joined generations of Bishop’s alumni—individuals bound by shared experience, enduring connections, and a commitment to making a difference.