Thousands of University of Guelph students will walk the stage at summer convocation next week, marking years of work and the realization of their academic goals.
The ceremonies are scheduled for June 9-14, celebrating the accomplishments of U of G graduands, along with the contributions of the families, faculty and staff who supported them towards earning their degrees.
This year, more than 3,700 students have registered to receive their degree, diploma or certificate at convocation. Nearly 17,000 family members and friends will attend the ceremonies over the course of the week.
Scheduled times for all ceremonies are on the U of G Convocation page. Information on directions and parking can be found on the Family & Guests page.
During the scheduled ceremonies, eight honorary degrees will be conferred to recipients whose accomplishments have inspired U of G community members. The University will also grant the distinction of University Professor Emerita to two retired faculty members who will continue their scholarly association with the University. One professor will also receive the John Bell Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to education at the University of Guelph.
University Professors Emeriti
Dr. Dorothee Bienzle
As a veterinary pathologist, Dr. Bienzle has been a pillar of the Department of Pathobiology and the Ontario Veterinary College for over 25 years and has built a nationally and internationally recognized research program on animal diseases.
Among her notable achievements was her leadership of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists as president. In that capacity, she modernized the credentialing process, instituted diversity, equity and inclusivity into operations of the college, and generated guidelines and processes for ethical conduct.
Bienzle had considerable impact on the field of veterinary pathology through her position as Canada Research Chair in Veterinary Pathology where she advanced knowledge of equine asthma and feline immunity, and innovated diagnostic assays for companion animals.
Dr. Beverley Hale
Dr. Hale is an internationally recognized expert in the field of soil ecotoxicology whose visionary leadership over three decades has guided the Ontario Agricultural College.
Hale managed the University’s landmark agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as AVP, Research (Agri-Food Partnership).
Additionally, she has served as co-leader in the Metals and Environment Network and a node leader in the Canadian Network of Toxicology Centre, with her research informing global regulatory risk assessments of nickel in Europe, Korea and elsewhere.
John Bell Award
Dr. Mavis Morton
Dr. Morton, associate professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, has innovated course curriculum, design, and pedagogy, advancing the scholarship of Teaching and Learning while providing high-quality teaching and mentorship.
Notably, Morton created and implemented the community-focused learning model, which scales community-engaged learning into large classes.
She has also made exceptional contributions using the scholarship of teaching and learning to guide individual, program and institutional-level plans at U of G.
Student Awards
Several accomplished students will receive awards to recognize their outstanding academic and civic achievements:
W.C. Winegard Medal
Named for former U of G president Bill Winegard, the W.C. Winegard Medal is U of G’s top undergraduate convocation award that recognizes both academic achievement and contributions to campus and community life.
Daniel Neiterman will graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and was the top-performing student in the Lang School of Business and Economics.
D.F. Forster Medals
The D. F. Forster Medals are U of G’s top convocation awards for graduate students. Named for former U of G president Donald Forster, the medal recognizes academic achievement, leadership and citizenship.
D.F. Forster Medal (doctoral)
Danielle Nowosad completed a PhD in Integrative Biology, researching DNA barcoding as a tool to support biodiversity monitoring efforts in the Arctic.
D.F. Forster Medal (magisteriate)
Linda-Paola Sosa Hernandez is the top master’s graduate from the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, completing the graduate training program in the field of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology
Walter Vaughan Medal
Named for a former secretary of Senate, the Walter Vaughan Medal recognizes a student who has achieved high academic standing and has made a substantial contribution to student life through involvement in Senate.
William Coleman is a third-year Bachelor of One Health major and senate representative.
Governor General’s Medals
Gold Medals – top graduate students
Two Governor General’s Gold Medals are awarded each year for outstanding academic excellence. This year’s winners are:
- Latasha Ludwig, PhD in the Department of Pathobiology in the Ontario Veterinary College
- Heather Petrick, PhD in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences in the College of Biological Sciences
Silver Medals – top undergraduate students
Governor General’s Silver Medals are awarded each year to undergraduate students who graduate with the highest cumulative average. This year’s winners are:
- Anthony Moncada, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Kinesiology, University of Guelph-Humber
- Andra Stefania Popa, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Biomedical Science
- Leo Heyuan Li, Bachelor of Science (Honours), Biomedical Science
Bronze Medal – top diploma student
One Governor General’s Bronze Medal is awarded each year to the Ontario Agricultural College diploma who has graduated with the highest cumulative average. This year’s winner is:
- Caroline Szukalo Benitez, Horticulture, Ridgetown Campus
Discover more about the inspiring journeys of our graduates and how the University of Guelph shaped their paths