Today is your day. Graduation celebrates not only the completion of your academic journey, but the perseverance, curiosity and determination that brought you to this moment.
As members of the UNB family, we come together to mark this extraordinary milestone and to honour all that you have accomplished.
During your time at UNB, you challenged yourselves, discovered your strengths and grew in ways that will shape your lives well beyond the classroom. You contributed to our campuses, supported one another and helped build the vibrant community that defines the University of New Brunswick. You arrived as learners, and today you graduate as leaders ready to make your mark!
As you take your next steps, know that UNB will always be part of your story. Today, you join a global UNB family of more than 100,000 alumni around the world, graduates who are shaping their communities through service, innovation and leadership. Wherever your journey leads, you remain part of the UNB family, carrying with you the values and spirit that shaped your time here.
With warmest congratulations,
KATHY WILSON, RN, BN’87, MN, PhD’08
Acting President and Vice Chancellor
Download a PDF version of the graduation program.
At the beginning of convocation, the audience is requested to stand, if its members are able, when the Academic Procession arrives. At the close of Convocation, following the singing of O Canada, the audience should remain standing until the Academic Procession has left.
Graduates are asked to remain in their seats until the Convocation ceremony is completed as a sign of respect and consideration for their classmates.
The academic procession is piped from UNB’s Grand Hall to the Imperial Theatre.
Following the ceremony, graduates, their guests and ceremony participants are invited to the Convocation Reception in UNB’s Grand Hall.
Although Latin has long ceased to be the language of instruction for all university courses, as it once was at Oxford and Cambridge, at Paris and Bologna, we have retained it at UNB for limited use on occasions of great academic solemnity, such as university convocations. The use of Latin today is a symbol of our academic descent from those earliest universities of medieval Europe and a humble reminder that the search for truth is both ancient and new.
One photo will be taken of each graduate on the stage. In early November, graduates will be able to download print quality photographs at UNB.ca/graduation.
The ceremony is being livestreamed and broadcast at UNB.ca/graduation. UNB is committed to protecting personal information. If you have any privacy concerns, contact the University Secretariat, at secretariat@unb.ca or 506-453-4613.
A video of the ceremony will be posted to UNB.ca/graduation.
We respectfully acknowledge that UNB stands on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional Wolastoqey land.
The lands of Wabanaki people are recognized in a series of Peace and Friendship Treaties to establish an ongoing relationship of peace, friendship and mutual respect between equal nations.
The river that runs through our city is known as Wolastoq, along which live Wolastoqiyik – the people of the beautiful and bountiful river. Wolastoq is also called the Saint John River.
Wolastoq Pomeloqe / Wolastoq is flowing
Acite Pomiku / Flowing and growing
Wolastoq Olmeloqe / Wolastoq is flowing
Supeq Olmiye / Down to the sea
Nikuwoss Pomihphin / Mother, carry me
Wasis oc nil Askomiw / A child I will always be
Nikuwoss Pomihphin / Mother, carry me
Wasis oc nil Askomiw / A child I will always be
(Saqatay)
The Sacred Bundle is a wrapped collection of sacred items held by a designated carrier. The keeper of the Sacred Bundle carries a responsibility of courage to maintain truth in all interactions and has an obligation to promote unity within diversity. It also provides an obligation to encourage building of respectful and sacred relationships within the university. The ceremonial contents of the Sacred Bundle will provide guidance toward the shared task of forging a new path within the promise of Piluwitahasuwawsuwakon (forging a new path toward truth and reconcili-action).
The Mace, which symbolizes the authority of the University to award degrees, was officially used for the first time at UNB’s 167th Encaenia in May 1996.
A gift of the university’s fourth modern-day Chancellor, the late Fredrik S. Eaton, OC, the Mace was proposed by the late Colin B. Mackay, OC, QC, President Emeritus. It measures 4.5 feet in length and features an antique silver cup atop a butternut shaft.
The George II, two-handled cup was given to the University in 1995 by S.A.H. Bridge, the great-great-grandson of Sir Howard Douglas, Bar’t. It was once part of a collection of fine silverware presented to Sir Howard by the people of New Brunswick when he returned to England, after serving as Lieutenant Governor (1823-1831). During his term, Sir Howard took great interest in the institution then known as the College of New Brunswick. He persuaded the British government to grant it a Royal Charter, as King’s College, and to provide half the funding for the construction of what is now the oldest university building still in use in Canada.
The cup, hallmarked LONDON 1734, is predated by its cover, which bears a 1728 hallmark. The armorial engraving on the upper half of the cup and the crest and motto on the cover are those of Douglas of Kirkness, County Kinross.
New Brunswick artisan, the late Michiel Oudemans, created the staff for the Mace. Crafted from butternut, a wood common to the province, the staff features elements of the UNB coat of arms and symbols of New Brunswick: a book of learning, beavers (in honour of Lord Beaverbrook, the University’s first modern-day Chancellor), a galley, fiddleheads and Atlantic salmon.
The UNB coat of arms was approved by the Board in May 1956. In 1996, it was “repatriated” at a ceremony at Rideau Hall. The late Governor General Roméo LeBlanc presided over the registration of the symbol with the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Within the coat of arms, the university celebrates its roots, founders and history. The beavers, representing Lord Beaverbrook’s commitment to UNB; the book, carrying UNB’s motto, represents knowledge and education; and the ship is from New Brunswick’s coat of arms.
The current UNB seal was created in 1968. The Latin on the rim states it is the seal of The University of New Brunswick. The text on the left-hand page of the book reads in Hebrew, “In the Beginning, God Created the Heavens and the Earth…and the Spirit of God moved upon the Face of [the waters].” On the right-hand the Greek text reads, “The Gospel According to Saint John,” followed by the first six words of the first verse of John’s gospel, “In the beginning was the Word.”
The seal appears on official UNB documents, including degree parchments, contracts and other legal documents.
In 2000, the UNB Associated Alumni began the tradition of presenting alumni pins to graduates. The pin carries memories of a life-changing experience at UNB and serves as a symbol that graduates will always be part of the alumni family of more than 100,000 worldwide. UNB alumni are leaders and innovators, driving change and transforming knowledge into action in communities around the globe. As our graduates pave their own path and inspire others along the way, we hope they wear their UNB alumni pin with pride.
Graduation stoles are worn by some graduands to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures and identities of First Nation, Inuit and Métis students, as well as African and African diasporic students. These stoles serve as a meaningful symbol of heritage and culture, while marking this significant academic milestone.
At the beginning of the graduation ceremony, before the Mace is set on its ceremonial stand by the University Secretary and the Sacred Bundle has been laid by the Interim Piluwitahasuwin and Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement, the President will petition the Chancellor to begin the ceremony.
Praeses: Amplissime Cancellari, placetne tibi ut officium incipiat?
Cancellari: Placet.
President: Most noble Chancellor, is it your pleasure that the ceremony begins?
Chancellor: It is my pleasure.
Graduation is a gathering of all individuals who are part of the University – students, professors, administrators, staff and alumni. All of the formalities around Convocation take place on the platform or stage.
Traditionally, the ceremony starts with the procession of graduands, faculty, staff and platform party members. In addition to others, the platform party consists of special guests; the Honorary Degree Recipient; Interim Piluwitahasuwin and Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement; members of the Board of Governors; the Provost and Vice-President Academic; Vice-Presidents; Vice-Provosts; the President and Vice- Chancellor; the Chancellor and the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.
The banners displayed above the stage represent the various faculties and/or schools in which students study. The flags on stage represent the countries that are home to the international students currently studying at UNB.
FREDERICTON
SAINT JOHN
FREDERICTON CEREMONY
SAINT JOHN CEREMONY
FREDERICTON CEREMONY
SAINT JOHN CEREMONY
FACULTY MARSHALS - SAINT JOHN
THE DR. ALLAN P. STUART MEMORIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
DAVID FOORD, BA, LLB, PhD’13 - Faculty of Management
CATHERINE DRISCOLL, RN, BN’12, MN’23 - Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences
THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH RECIPIENT
VIQAR HUSAIN, BSc, MPhil, PhD - Faculty of Science
GRADUATE AWARD RECIPIENTS
FOR PRESENTATION: GOVERNOR GENERAL’S GOLD MEDAL - Fawn Parker
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF NEW BRUNSWICK SILVER MEDAL - EDUCATION
Abigail Conrad
UNB grants honorary doctorates to deserving individuals who exemplify those values cherished by its Academic Community.
George Vair will be awarded an honorary doctorate of letters at the fall graduation ceremony on the Saint John campus.
George Vair is a labour leader, educator, historian, and community advocate whose contributions have shaped the labour movement in Saint John, New Brunswick and across Canada.
For more than five decades, he has worked to improve the lives of working people while preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the labour movement.
Born in Saint John, George began his working life in the Royal Canadian Navy before joining Canada Wire and Cable. He later served as a business agent and service representative with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, representing workers and advocating for fair working conditions. Throughout his career, he held leadership positions with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the United Automobile Workers, the Saint John and District Labour Council, and the New Brunswick Federation of Labour.
George is widely respected for his service on labour-management and administrative tribunals, including the Unemployment Insurance Board of Referees, the New Brunswick Labour Management Committee, the Industrial Relations Board, and the Expedited Arbitration Committee. While representing lawyers during arbitration boards, he advocated for employees’ rights. Colleagues recognized his ability to build consensus, resolve disputes, and advance fair outcomes through knowledge, integrity and respect.
A lifelong learner, George pursued studies in labour relations, economics, sociology, and political science while working full-time. He went on to teach labour education programs and develop training resources for union members. His publications include The Struggle Against Wage Controls: The Saint John Story, 1975–1976, and Lives Lived: Short Biographies of Former Saint John Labour Leaders; works which preserve important chapters of New Brunswick’s labour history.
He played a central role in establishing the Frank and Ella Hatheway Labour Exhibit Centre, and in creating the Day of Mourning Monument in Rockwood Park, a memorial dedicated to workers who lost their lives, suffered injuries, or developed illnesses on the job.
George’s commitment to education, social justice and community service has left a profound impact on New Brunswick, and serves as an enduring example of citizenship and public leadership.
Hayley Wickenheiser will be awarded an honorary doctorate of science at the fall graduation ceremony on the Fredericton campus.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser is an Olympic champion, physician, author, and advocate whose achievements on and off the ice have inspired Canadians for more than three decades.
Regarded as one of the greatest players in women's hockey history, Hayley joined Canada’s national women’s hockey team at the age of 15, representing her country for 23 years.
Throughout her extraordinary career, she won four Olympic gold medals and one silver medal, as well as seven gold medals and six silver medals at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Women’s World Hockey Championship. She remains Team Canada’s all-time Olympic leader in assists and points, and ranks among the greatest scorers in IIHF Women’s World Championship history.
Following her professional hockey career, Hayley fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a physician. She earned degrees in kinesiology, science, and medicine from the University of Calgary and completed her medical training while serving as Assistant General Manager of Player Development with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Her work in family and emergency medicine reflects a deep commitment to improving the well-being of others.
A passionate advocate for youth development and access to sport, Hayley has supported organizations including Right to Play, KidSport, Project North and Canadian Tire Jumpstart. In 2009, she founded WickFest, an annual event that combines competition, mentorship, and skills development for thousands of young female hockey players.
Hayley is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame, and a recipient of numerous honours recognizing her leadership and service. Her career reflects excellence, perseverance, and an enduring commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Dean: Insignissime Praeses, amplissime Cancellari, supplicant Senatui et huic venerabili Collegio Gubernatorum hi magistri vel baccaulaurei vel scholares ut admittantur ad gradum Philosophiae Doctoris vel ad proprium Magistri gradum in sua quisque Facultate vel ad proprium Baccalaurei gradum in sua quisque Facultate.
Praeses: Placetne vobis, Senatores, placetne, Gubernaores, ut hi Supplicatores admittantur?
Gubernatores et Senatores: Placet.
Dean: Insignissime Praeses, amplissime Cancellari, tota Universitas, praesento vobis hosce Supplicatores ut admittantu ad gradum Philosophiae Doctoris vel ad proprium Magistri gradum in sua quisque Facultate vel ad gradum Baccalaurei in sua quisque Facultate, testorque illos, quoad omnia quae statute nostra requirant, aptos et idoneos esse.
Praeses: Ego admitto vos ad gradum Philosophiae Doctoris vel ad gradum Magistri vel ad gradum Baccalaurei in Universitate Novi Brunsvici.
Dean: Most distinguished President, most honorable Chancellor, and the entire University, I present to you these petitioners so that they may be admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy or to their respective Master’s degree in each Faculty, or to the degree of Bachelor in each Faculty, and I testify that they are, in all respects required by our statutes, fit and suitable.
President: I admit you to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy or to the degree of Master or to the degree of Bachelor at the University of New Brunswick.
Governors and Senators: It is our pleasure.
Dean: Most distinguished President, most noble Chancellor, all the University, I present to you these supplicants that they may be admitted to their proper degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Master, or Bachelor, each in their own Faculty; and I testify that they, so far as all our statutes require, are fit and suitable.
President: I admit you to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Master, or Bachelor in The University of New Brunswick.
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
All graduands and members of the Academic Procession wear academic dress during the ceremony – academic robe, hood, and mortarboard or beefeater cap. The dress worn is based on academic level attained – Bachelor, Master and Doctoral. Each degree has a distinctive hood as follows:
