University of Calgary concludes record-breaking convocation ceremonies
The University of Calgary concluded its record-breaking spring convocation ceremonies on Tuesday, celebrating its largest-ever graduating class of 6,989 students.
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University registrar Amy Dambrowitz said this year's numbers reflect the steady growth the school has seen in recent years, and she expects enrolment to continue to increase.
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Factors such as population growth, increases in government funding and the expansion of key programs have all contributed to the university's growing numbers.
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The honorary degrees were awarded to Patrick Carlson — an engineer, entrepreneur and University of Calgary alumnus — for his contributions to Canada's oil and gas industry, and former CUPS CEO Carlene Donnelly for her leadership and contributions to the organization's growth.
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Dambrowitz said seeing the joy in the faces of graduates as they cross the stage and the excitement of their families cheering them on is a highlight of the academic year.
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Through her work as registrar, Dambrowitz is well-versed in the challenges that students face, which included the COVID-19 pandemic for many among this year's graduating class.
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'(Many of) these students would have been the ones who started in the fall of 2021,' she said. 'So you think about where that is in the COVID cycle. These are students who really, really had to want to be here.'
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Having watched thousands of students cross the stage, Dambrowitz considers herself an expert in picking out the ones who are most nervous.
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'I lean over and I'm like, 'OK, you've got three jobs: breathe, walk, smile,' ' she said. 'To see them stand at that corner of the stage and own the space is just lovely.
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'In September, we see them show up with their new backpacks and their new shoes, and they're walking around holding their phones in front of their faces trying to navigate campus,' Dambrowitz said.
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