~~“) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
of the FRASER VALLEY

Friday, June 28, 1996

Special Convocation Issue

Record number of grads cross stage at convocation

It was the longest day of the year on June
20, and a long but inspiring afternoon at
the UCFV Convocation ceremony, as a
record number of graduates crossed the
Stage to receive degrees, diplomas, and
certificates.

UCFV recognized 989 graduates this
year, although not all were able to attend
the convocation ceremony (about 350 did
cross the stage): 118 earned bachelor’s
degrees for the equivalent of four years of
full-time study, 11 earned associate
degrees (two years), 327 earned diplomas
(two years), and 338 earned certificates
(one year). The ceremony was held at
Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly.

For the first time, UCFV granted some
of its own bachelor’s degrees. Business

Flowers and a kiss were delivered
pre-ceremony to this lucky grad.

Administration and Criminal Justice
graduates received UCFV degrees. Arts
and Science students earned SFU
degrees, Child and Youth Care degrees
were granted by the University of
Victoria, and the Open University
bestowed degrees upon graduates from
the Adult Education, Social Work, and
Computer Information Systems programs.

UCFYV President Peter Jones wished
the graduates well, and reminded them
that as university college students, they
were graduating from a unique kind of
institution.

“University colleges have many things
in common with great universities, but
they are also different, because they are
also based on the roots of the community
college.”

Attributes such as an emphasis on
teaching over research, a higher average
age and welcoming atmosphere for
mature students, a regional and
community focus, a comprehensive

_ curriculum ranging from adult upgrading
to degrees, and a willingness to ease

transfer to and from other institutions are
what make university colleges unique,
Jones said.

UCFV Board Chair Noel Hall urged
the graduates not to focus exclusively on
individual economic gain.

“Personal ambition is great, but you
didn’t get to where you are today alone.
Remember to take time to put something
back into the system from which you
have derived great benefit,” he said.

Please see page 2

Library/Info. Tech. program head Kim Isaac
congratulates grad Fran Johnson, a member
of the Nisga’a nation from New Aiyansh.
who wore a ceremonial button blanket.