Education Convocation 2023

Published on May 29, 2023
Convocation
graduating student on stage during convocation ceremony
University of Ottawa
Convocation is an important milestone in your academic journey and a time to celebrate the culmination of your hard work, commitment and contributions.

Congratulations once again on your success at the Faculty of Education. We wish you every success in your future endeavors, pushing the boundaries of education, fostering curiosity and cultivating a love of learning in your students, collaborators and peers. Take pride in the dedication, commitment and passion you have demonstrated during your studies. This accomplishment marks the beginning of your next professional and academic undertakings.   

This year, the Faculty of Education celebrated your achievements during an afternoon ceremony on June 10th at the Shaw Center in Ottawa. Graduates of the Formation à l’enseignement programs from our external campuses ceremonies will be held on June 15th in Windsor and on the 16th in Toronto.  

“Convocation day is confirmation of your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to your education. In a world that has been plagued by unprecedented challenges, you have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Your ability to acclimate and thrive in the face of adversity is truly commendable,” says Richard Barwell, Dean of the Faculty of Education.

The Faculty of Education is honoured to have helped nurture your talents, and we eagerly await the positive impacts you will undoubtedly make in the future.  

Group of new graduate students in Windsor campus
Windsor campus convocation ceremony - Formation à l'enseignement graduates

Honorary Doctorate 2023 

This year, the Faculty of Education celebrates versatile writer and youth literacy advocate Andrée Poulin, PhD. In recognition of her remarkable influence on young leaders and contributions to the field of French-language children's literature, this distinguished author and journalist was awarded an honorary doctorate from our Faculty. Andrée Poulin’s diverse career journey has taken her from the world of journalism to international cooperation and ultimately to the realm of children's literature. With an impressive portfolio of published works and a passion for inspiring young minds, Poulin has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

Andrée Poulin pendant la cérémonie de remise des diplômes
Jacques Frémont, president of the University of Ottawa, Andrée Poulin, author of young People’s Literature and recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa, Claudette Commanda, chancellor, Richard Barwell, dean of Faculty of education
Honorary Doctorate

“Learning allows us to broaden our horizons and to take trips without even having to get on a plane. ”

Andrée Poulin

— Award-winning journalist and author

Jacques Frémont, president of the University of Ottawa, Andrée Poulin, author of young People’s Literature and recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa, Claudette Commanda, chancellor, Richard Barwell, dean of Faculty of education

In her convocation address , she said: “You are here today because you have completed your studies. But I hope you haven't finished learning. Continuing to learn means adapting to change, rising to challenges, reinventing yourself and developing. When we learn, we also nurture our creativity. Taking an interest in others, asking questions, opening yourself up to the unknown - it makes our lives exciting, and fills our daily lives with discovery and wonder.” Andrée Poulin adds: “I also encourage you to become a magpie and a butterfly. Develop your sense of curiosity like a magpie and travel like a butterfly, it will undoubtedly broaden your horizons.” 

Our PhD graduates  

The Faculty awarded doctoral degrees to fifteen researchers during this year’s spring convocation ceremony. Earning a PhD is the culmination of many years of demanding scholarly work and an accomplishment of perseverance, creativity and critical thinking.   

Learn more about their doctoral dissertations on the uO Research portal.