CONVOCATION 324 th AUTUMN 2024, ALUMNI HALL, OCTOBER 23-25, 2024
THIS IS WESTERN Ranked Canada’s fastest-rising institution for scientific research, Western University is internationally renowned for interdisciplinary expertise in fields ranging from neuroscience and imaging, to natural disaster mitigation, planetary science and social innovation. Home to nearly 500 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Western attracts high-achieving students from almost 160 countries. We take enormous pride in our more than 372,000 alumni making extraordinary contributions to their professions and their communities around the world.
6 research areas ranked in the top 100 globally
83 Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada
More than 372,000 alumni in almost 160 countries worldwide
Ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide
24 Rhodes Scholars
27 faculty recipients of 3M National Teaching Fellowships
2 Western University
Land Acknowledgement We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek (Ah-nish-in-a-bek), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-no-show-nee), L ū naapéewak (Len-ahpay- wuk) and Chonnonton (Chun-ongk-ton) Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. We respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers. We acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices that Indigenous Peoples (e.g. First Nations, Métis and Inuit) endure in Canada, and we accept responsibility as a public institution to contribute toward revealing and correcting miseducation as well as renewing respectful relationships with Indigenous communities through our teaching, research and community service.
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Convocation Schedule Wednesday October 23, 2024 Thursday October 24, 2024 Friday
October 25, 2024
10:00 a.m. School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies* King’s University College Faculty of Health Sciences (Undergraduate Degrees) Faculty of Law Faculty of Science (Undergraduate Degrees)
10:00 a.m. School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies* Faculty of Education Faculty of Engineering
10:00 a.m. School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies* Huron University College Richard Ivey School of Business Faculty of Information and Media Studies
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Faculty of Science (Undergraduate Degrees)
3:00 p.m. School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies*
3:00 p.m. School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies* Faculty of Health Sciences (Graduate Degrees)
3:00 p.m. School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies* Faculty of Arts and Humanities Faculty of Social Science (Undergraduate Degrees) Don Wright Faculty of Music
Faculty of Science (Graduate Degrees) Faculty of Social Science (Graduate Degrees) Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Graduate Degrees)
*Students in graduate programs hosted by the Faculties on the particular day
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Musical Program Western Convocation Brass Shawn Spicer, Musical Director
Repertoire Pieces will be chosen from the following list:
Western Convocation Brass Director: Shawn Spicer
Fanfare for Heroes
Arthur Bliss Herb Alpert
1980 (Olympic Theme)
Rhosymedre
Vaughan Williams
Africa
Toto (Paich / Porcaro) Taylor Swift arr. Wagler Ulvaeus/Andersson
Trumpets: Aaron Hodgson, Scott Harrison, Michael Barth French Horn: Sasha Gorbasew Trombones: Robert Stone, Michael Polci Tuba: Brent Adams Timpani-Percussion: David Robilliard
Taylor Swift Melody
ABBA Medley
The Thin Red Line
Kenneth Alford
Cantina Band (Star Wars) We Don’t Talk About Bruno
John Williams arr. Wagler
Lin Manuel Miranda
Jump in the Line
Bell/Deleon/Oller/Samuel
Sheep May Safely Graze
J.S. Bach
Vocalise Reverie
Sergei Rachmaninov
Kenneth Bray Jeff Smallman
Air
Thrift Shop
Macklemore (Brass Brothers) K. Rew (Katrina and the Waves)
Walking on Sunshine
Brass Brothers
Broken Brass
Ceremonial Intrada (Ceremonial Fanfare)
Gordon Jacob
O Canada
Calixa Lavalle arr. Wagler
Trumpet Tune
J. Clarke
Fanfare
Arthur Bliss
The University of Western Convocation Brass was started by Prof. Ken Bray in 1983. He produced numerous arrangements for the group, many of which are still used today.
O Canada 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.
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Order of Ceremony October 23-25, 2024 Chancellor Kelly Meighen President & Vice-Chancellor Alan Shepard
Procession The audience remains standing when the Academic Procession enters the Hall. O Canada Audience may be seated following the national anthem. Conferring of Honorary Degree/ Presentation of Speaker Convocation Address The Chancellor will invite the Honorary Degree Recipient/Speaker to address Convocation. Presentation of Candidates The members of the Graduating Classes will be presented to the Chancellor by the President & Vice-Chancellor who will extend greetings and congratulations to them on behalf of the University.
Conferring of Degrees and Awarding of Diplomas
The Graduating Classes will be presented to the Chancellor in groups according to the degree awarded. As a courtesy to all graduates, it is requested that graduates return to their seats in the Hall until the Chancellor dismisses Convocation. Welcome from the Alumni Association The representative from the Alumni Association will extend congratulations and welcome to its newest members. Following Convocation, new alumni are invited to have complimentary photos taken on campus. Ceremonial Occasion The audience will rise when the Academic Procession exits the Hall.
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Dear Graduates: Congratulations to you all – the Class of 2024 – on your tremendous accomplishment. You are Western graduates and today we celebrate you for your hard work and perseverance – and for all that you have given of yourselves as students at Western University. Earning a degree from Western is a tremendous accomplishment, but to have succeeded as you have, entering university during a global pandemic, I hope reminds you of how capable and determined you are. Rely on that experience and the resilience you have shown as you embark on the next steps in your life. Your experience and energy will help you in the future as you graduate and move out into the broader world. As in the past, personal relationships will continue to be so important. The people with whom we build relationships challenge us and hold us to account. They celebrate our successes and help us recover from times of hardship. They enable us to develop trust in one another, and they help to hone our instincts and critical thinking skills – crucial in this time of misinformation and disinformation. As you look to the future, you will have many opportunities for new connections, but I encourage you to also stay connected to your university community; Western offers a multitude of opportunities and supports as you navigate your future. And you have much to offer those who come after you to ensure a thriving alma mater. In my role, I get to see and am always impressed with the talent, the expertise and the ideas being generated by students and faculty at Western. Western graduates have been making effective and dynamic contributions to society for almost 150 years. For generations, our diverse programs have equipped our students to make substantial impact in Canada and around the world. Now it is your turn to think about the role you might play in building and advancing our communities. Today, take this time to celebrate and feel pride in all that you accomplished here at Western. Thank those who have supported you along the way: your family, your friends, your professors and your mentors. They too are celebrating you today. On behalf of Western’s administration and alumni, I offer you my warmest congratulations and best wishes. We all look forward to seeing where the Western University Class of 2024 will go!
Sincerely,
Kelly Meighen Chancellor
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Dear Graduates, Graduation is a time of both vision and reflection. Luckily, your time at Western has prepared you to hold two ideas in your mind simultaneously! You can reflect on the personal challenges you’ve gone through with the pandemic, your classes, and “adulting.” At the same time, you might have a picture in your mind of your future self, enjoying the work and causes you choose to pursue. I know that Western has provided you with a world-class education and significant classroom and experiential learning to help fuel your vision. I am hopeful that each of you will reflect on your inner strengths and use the adaptability and commitment you developed at Western to embrace life’s future challenges. We hope you’ll stay in touch! Whether you stay in London, or Canada, or anywhere in the world, Western will welcome you back anytime for a visit, to volunteer, or for lifelong learning. The friendships you made at Western, your graduation day, and the joy of your experiences will stay with you forever. On behalf of Western’s Board of Governors, I send you formal congratulations on your achievements and best wishes for your future! You are exceptional. We see you. You will define your own path and definition of success! Sincerely,
Sarah Shortreed Chair, Board of Governors
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Dear Graduates of the Class of 2024, Congratulations – you did it! It is my great pleasure to recognize your outstanding achievement at Western and to welcome you into the alumni family. Your student years were just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Western. As a new graduate, you are joining an ever-growing network of alumni worldwide who are actively engaged in nearly every field of endeavour. On behalf of the University community that has supported your journey at Western and shares in the pride and excitement of this moment, I wish you all the best for continued success! Warm regards to you and your loved ones on this happy day.
Alan Shepard President & Vice-Chancellor
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Hello, Western’s newest grads. Congratulations on reaching such an important milestone! Over the course of your studies at Western, I know that you, like me, have experienced transformational learning, made enduring friendships and created memories that will last a lifetime. I hope you are proud of all that you have accomplished. Convocation provides an opportunity to be recognized for your hard work and determination. Today, you will cross the stage and journey from student to alum. It’s a big day! You now become part of a community that is more than 372,000 members strong in almost 160 countries making incredibly positive impacts across the globe. As you move through your life and career, the Alumni Association hopes you continue to stay connected to Western. Our worldwide alumni networks are passionate about keeping in touch after graduation through a variety of events and opportunities that make the Western experience unique. We look forward to your continued purple pride and participation with Western. I also want to remind you of some incredible Purple Perks you get just for being an alum. Be sure to check them out on our website and download the app. Enjoy your graduation and this well-deserved celebration of your accomplishments!
Matt Helfand , BA’13, MA’14, JD’18 President, Alumni Association
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Officers of Convocation
Chancellor Kelly Meighen Chair of the Board of Governors
Director of Convocation Joan Finegan Associate Director of Convocation Caroline Whippey Marshal Kibret Mequanint Associate Marshal Nicole Jesko Mackenzie White
Sarah Shortreed Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors Marlene McGrath President & Vice-Chancellor Alan Shepard Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Florentine Strzelczyk University Registrar Marisa Modeski President of the Alumni Association Matt Helfand Secretary of the Senate Amy Bryson
Chief Usher Chris Smith Associate Chief Usher Lauren Dodd Katrina McIntosh Chief Public Orator Daniel Brou Associate Chief Public Orator Terry Rice
The Convocation Board wishes to thank the many volunteers for their time and efforts in making Convocation a success.
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History and Tradition The Chancellor, on behalf of the University, bestows degrees upon its students. It is the act, not a certificate, which constitutes the validity of the degree. The students bear for all time the mark of their association with Western. They have received what the University has been and presently is. Bearing the promise of the future, they are what the University hopes to be.
Western Mace The mace has evolved into a symbolic emblem of legislative and civic authority. Western’s mace was presented to the University by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London in 1948. It is made of silver and is ornamented with symbols derived from the Western coat of arms.
Bronzed Moccasins Children’s remains continue to be recovered at Residential School sites across Turtle Island. Their spirits inform and guide the work of Reconciliation, Decolonization and Indigenization—work that will honour the stolen lives of those who never had the chance to grow and experience a university education.
Indigenous Gonfalon Indigenous identity is diverse and every Indigenous nation across Turtle Island is distinct. The Gonfalon elements represent core beliefs that resonate with many Indigenous epistemologies. The Indigenous Gonfalon honours Indigenous diversity, identity and leadership at Western University.
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Gonfalons and Banners Gonfalons—banners designed to hang from a crossbar— have been used to identify assemblies in special processions since the 12th century. Western’s unique gonfalons were designed by the London chapter of the Canadian Embroiderers’ Guild to represent the University, its faculties, schools and affiliated university colleges throughout Convocation. The banners are unique to each faculty, and incorporate the hood colours for the different degrees. Those associated with the students graduating today accompany the academic procession and are placed at the front of the stage. Banners on stage represent units whose students will graduate on other days.
Ivey Banners The banners hanging above the stage were conceived by, and presented as a gift from former Chancellor Richard M. Ivey HBA’47, LLD’79 and Beryl Ivey, BA’47, LLD’97, who magnanimously supported Western throughout their lives. The banners, designed by London artist-architect David Yuhasz, represent the hood colours of degrees offered by Western.
Regalia Originally worn for warmth in unheated castles, the academic gowns, hoods and caps declare in their various designs and colours, the scholastic qualifications of the faculty. The graduates, dressed in black robes, have the appropriate degree hood, a symbol deeming their degree complete.
Congratulations to our graduates. Welcome to our global community of Western alumni.
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Degrees Offered
Degree
Abbreviation
Colour
Bachelor of Arts
BA
White White
Bachelor of Arts (Human Ecology)
BA (HEc)
Bachelor of Education
BEd
Light Blue
Bachelor of Engineering Science
BESc
Orange Brown
Bachelor of Fine Arts
BFA
Bachelor of Health Sciences
BHSc BMOS BMSc BMus BMusA
Red
Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies
Grey
Bachelor of Medical Science
Dark Green/Golden Yellow
Bachelor of Music
Pink Pink
Bachelor of Musical Arts
Bachelor of Science
BSc
Golden Yellow
Bachelor of Science (Foods and Nutrition) Bachelor of Science (Human Ecology)
BSc (FN) BSc (HEc)
Maroon Maroon Apricot Citron Scarlet Purple White Drab
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
BScN BSW
Bachelor of Social Work Bachelor of Theology
BTh
Juris Doctor
JD
Master of Arts
MA
Master of Business Administration
MBA MClD MClSc MDA MDiv MEd MEng MESc
Master of Clinical Dentistry Master of Clinical Science Master of Data Analytics
Lilac
Golden Yellow Golden Yellow
Master of Divinity Master of Education Master of Engineering
Scarlet
Light Blue
Orange Orange
Master of Engineering Science
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Master of Environment and Sustainability
MES MFE MFA
Golden Yellow
Master of Financial Economics
Copper Brown
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Health Information Science
MHIS MHSc LLM MLIS
Red Red
Master of Health Sciences
Master of Laws
Purple Lemon
Master of Library and Information Science
Master of Management
MM
Drab
Master of Management of Applied Science
MMASc
Golden Yellow
Master of Media in Journalism and Communication
MMJC MMus MSN MPT MPEd
Red Pink
Master of Music Master of Nursing
Apricot
Master of Physical Therapy
Turquoise Light Blue Peacock
Master of Professional Education Master of Public Administration
MPA MPH MSc
Master of Public Health
Salmon Pink Golden Yellow
Master of Science
Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition Master of Science in Management
MScFN MScM
Maroon
Drab
Master of Science in Nursing
MScN
Apricot
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
MScOT
Golden Yellow
Master of Social Work Master of Studies in Law
MSW MSL MTS DDS
Citron Purple Scarlet
Master of Theological Studies Doctor of Dental Surgery Doctor of Education Doctor of Medicine Doctor of Musical Arts Doctor of Philosophy
Lilac
EdD MD
Light Blue
Green
DMA PhD
Pink
Purple
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Convocation Speaker Christopher Nicholls Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Currently a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for the Canadian Business Law Journal (CBLJ) , he previously served as the CBLJ’ s Associate Editor and Corporate Finance Specialist Editor, as a member of the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Law and Technology , as Research Fellow with the Filene Research Institute (Madison, Wisconsin), and as Head of Research and Policy, Capital Markets Institute, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. In 2015, he was named a member of the Business Law Agenda Expert Panel appointed by the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. He is a past member of the Nova Scotia Securities Commission and, from 2016-2022, served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada, one of two national financial industry self-regulatory organizations that amalgamated in 2023 to form the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) Recognized as one of Canada’s pre-eminent experts in corporate law and governance, securities regulation and the regulation of financial institutions and capital markets, Professor Nicholls has acted as a consultant to law firms, government and regulatory agencies and as an expert witness. He has lectured to academic and professional audiences in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South America, and Japan. A member of the Ontario bar, he formerly practised corporate and securities law, first with major firms in Toronto, then as a corporate finance and securities attorney in Bermuda. He is the author or co-author of seven books and many academic articles dealing with corporate law and finance, financial institutions, and capital market regulation. His work has been cited across Canada by securities commissions and courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Christopher C. Nicholls is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, Osgoode Hall Law School (York University) and Harvard University. He holds the W. Geoff Beattie Chair in Corporate Law at Western Law. He is a former Fulbright Scholar and has also been a visiting professor and scholar at prestigious institutions including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Melbourne, University of Tokyo, University of Toronto, Queens University, and Osgoode Hall Law School, and was the inaugural holder of Dalhousie Law School’s Purdy Crawford Chair in Business Law. Over the past two decades, he has been regularly invited to speak in judicial education programs for Canadian (federally appointed) superior court judges organized by the National Judicial Institute.
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Convocation Speaker Maimuna Kanyamala Honorary Degree Recipient Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
In 2011, Maimuna was honoured as the “Tanzania Woman of Courage” by the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, acknowledging her contributions to gender-based violence prevention and women’s rights advocacy. She has partnered with feminist groups in Canada and Ireland to build global solidarity on issues such as violence against women, HIV/AIDS, and poverty. In 2012, Maimuna founded MikonoYetu, an organization dedicated to economically empowering women and girls while promoting environmental conservation. She understands that those least responsible for environmental degradation are often the most affected, and she collaborates with other organizations to advocate for women’s economic and environmental rights. Her innovative approach to social entrepreneurship is exemplified through her leadership of a probiotics enterprise in partnership with Western Heads East and Western University. Since 2004, the initiative has empowered more than 500 women and girls in Tanzania by teaching them to make fermented foods, particularly probiotic yogurt and probiotic juices, for both business and community health. At MikonoYetu, Maimuna also helped establish MsichanaTai, an organization helping girls reach their full potential by addressing barriers posed by harmful cultural practices. She also helped found GreenMinds, a youth-led project that empowers young people to become champions of sustainable, green thinking and leadership. Currently, Maimuna is documenting the history of African women and is working to establish a Women’s Museum in Mwanza. She holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from Holy Ghost College, Kimmage Manor, Ireland, and remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for women and girls across Tanzania.
Maimuna Kanyamala is a dedicated Tanzanian activist, entrepreneur, environmentalist, and feminist with more than 30 years of commitment to advancing the rights of women, girls, children, and marginalized communities. Her advocacy journey began in 1994 at the Kuleana Centre for Children’s Rights in Mwanza, where she championed educational rights for pregnant girls and fought against child exploitation. This early work laid the foundation for her lifelong mission to create a just and equitable society. In 1999, Maimuna co-founded the Kivulini Women’s Rights Organization, a pioneering initiative that mobilizes communities to prevent domestic violence. As Kivulini’s first Executive Director, she worked to address the root causes of violence against women and shift harmful cultural attitudes and behaviours. Her leadership also contributed to establishing WoteSawa and the Wadada Centre, organizations dedicated to protecting child domestic workers and combating sexual violence.
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Convocation Speaker Ana Luisa Trejos Thursday, October 24, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
Professor Trejos’s work is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, combining elements of mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering. Her innovative approach has led to significant advancements in the field of wearable mechatronics, making her a leader in this rapidly evolving area of research, including becoming a founding board member of the International Consortium for Rehabilitation Robotics. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and honours, reflecting her commitment to excellence and her impact in the field. Notably, Professor Trejos was named one of the 100 most powerful women in Central America by Forbes, highlighting her influence and leadership in the region. In addition to her research, Professor Trejos is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of engineers and researchers. Her dedication to education is evident in her involvement in various academic and professional organizations, where she actively promotes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Outside of her professional life, Professor Trejos is passionate about community outreach and the promotion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. She frequently participates in initiatives aimed at encouraging young people, especially women and underrepresented groups, to explore careers in engineering and technology. Professor Trejos continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in wearable mechatronics, driven by her desire to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals with mobility problems. Her work stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and the potential of wearable technology to transform health care.
Ana Luisa Trejos is a professional engineer and Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the School of Biomedical Engineering at Western University. She also holds a prestigious Tier-2 Canada Research Chair in Wearable Mechatronics. Professor Trejos completed her PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western in 2012. Prior to this, she earned her MASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia in 2000 and her BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidad de Costa Rica in 1997. She has dedicated her career to the design, development, and testing of innovative medical mechatronic systems, with a particular focus on wearable devices for upper body rehabilitation and motion assistance. In 2013, Professor Trejos established the Wearable Biomechatronics Laboratory at Western. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the creation of nonintrusive, patient-centered wearable mechatronic devices aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility disorders.
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Convocation Speaker Jayne Garland Thursday, October 24, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
Professor Garland has extensive university leadership experience with eight years as Director of the School of Physical Therapy at Western and seven years as Head of the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia, prior to her appointment as Dean in 2016. A trailblazer in physiotherapy education, she led the curriculum development for the Master of Physical Therapy program at Western, started the first clinical master’s degree in Manipulative Therapy (now Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy) and the first combined MPT/PhD program in Canada. She is a former Chair of the Neuroscience Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Scientific Awards Committee for the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada, and Physiotherapy Specialty Certification Board of Canada. As Dean, the Faculty of Health Sciences has thrived, despite a world-wide pandemic and revenue constraints, performing world-class research and transformative education that enable living in health through the lifespan. In addition to her 24 years in academic leadership roles, she has published 127 publications, held 30 years of continuous funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), and supervised 12 doctoral and 39 master’s students. Her research interests have focused on motor control, standing balance, and muscle fatigue. Given her training as a physical therapist, she has applied her fundamental research to stroke recovery and rehabilitation, work funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, in recognition of her leadership and contributions to research and education.
Professor S. Jayne Garland is a faculty member in the School of Physical Therapy and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Western University. Professor Garland obtained a BSc in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University, a Master of Clinical Science (Physical Therapy) from Western, and a PhD in Neuroscience from McMaster University. After post-doctoral training at the University of Arizona, she started her academic career at Western as an Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy with a cross appointment in Physiology and Pharmacology.
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Convocation Speaker Dusya Vera Friday, October 25, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
She has studied leadership styles that promote individual and group learning, and organizational learning that is captured in routines, products, systems, and strategies. Recently, her work has focused on character leadership as a source of competitive advantage that enables sustained excellence and flourishing for individuals and organizations alike. She has published in top academic journals, including A cademy of Management Review, Academy of Management Annals, Organization Science, Journal of Management, Journal of Management Studies, The Leadership Quarterly, Organization Studies, Journal of Organizational Behavior, and Management Learning , among others. She also enjoys writing practitioner- oriented articles, which have appeared in journals such as O rganizational Dynamics and Business Horizons . Currently, Professor Vera is an Associate Editor of Academy of Management Discoveries and has previously served as a Senior Associate Editor of The Leadership Quarterly . She is also an editorial board member for the Journal of Business Research and Management Learning . She is an active member of the Academy of Management and the Strategic Management Society . Professor Vera is leading the implementation of the Western Leadership Certificate, powered by Ivey. An award-winning teacher throughout her career, she has taught undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and executive-level courses in strategic management, strategic leadership, leader character, and ethical leadership. She has extensive experience in executive development and has received multiple awards for her contributions to research, teaching, and service. Before returning to Ivey in 2022, Professor Vera spent 20 years on the faculty of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. Professor Vera lives in London with her husband, Antonio Rodriguez, and their triplets, Liam, Tony, and Dusya. As an autism parent and advocate, she promotes inclusion and independence for neurodivergent children and adults. Her message to those new to the autism community is, “presume competence … always.”
Dusya Vera is a Professor of Strategy at Ivey Business School, the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Chair in Leadership, and the Executive Director of the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership, which is dedicated to generating new knowledge and research on character leadership. Through its teaching and outreach efforts, the institute aims to develop global citizens who have strength of character, strive to make a difference, and contribute to the flourishing of teams, organizations, communities, and societies. Professor Vera was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She holds an undergraduate degree in computer engineering from the Polytechnic University in Guayaquil (Ecuador), an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh (USA), and a PhD in Business Administration from Ivey Business School at Western. Professor Vera’s areas of expertise include organizational improvisation, organizational learning, strategic leadership, and character leadership. Her research calls for leaders to develop an improvisation capability to meet real-time challenges effectively.
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Convocation Speaker Christopher Keep Friday, October 25, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
Among his many awards and honors, he counts those he has received for teaching most highly. They include the Bank of Nova Scotia, Western Alumni Association, and University Students’ Council Award of Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2002-03) and the Edward G. Pleva Award for Excellence in Teaching (2010-11). Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Keep’s family moved to London when he was in elementary school; he recalls driving through the Western campus as a boy and marvelling at the gothic spire of University College, wondering what kind of strange magic they practiced there. He pursued his undergraduate studies, first in Theatre Arts and then English and History, at York University. Having developed a passion for the novels of Dickens, Eliot, and Hardy, he completed an MA degree in Victorian Studies before beginning his PhD at Queen’s University. His doctoral dissertation received the A.C. Hamilton Prize for a dissertation of distinguished merit. After receiving his doctorate, Keep taught courses in English and Film Studies at Queen’s before moving to the University of Alberta as an Izaak Walton Killam and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Postdoctoral Fellow. Following a three-year period teaching at the University of Victoria, Keep returned to London in 2000. At Western, he has served in a number of leadership roles, including Acting Chair and Chair for Undergraduate Studies for the Department of English & Writing Studies, and Acting Director and Graduate Director for the Centre for Theory & Criticism. As Director of the Program in Film Studies for the past six years, he has helped develop the program’s academic internship opportunities, strengthen its connections with the local film community, and diversify its curriculum. Keep is proud to call London his home once again. His faculty office is in the same gothic edifice he once marvelled at through the windows of the family car those many years ago.
Christopher Keep is an Associate Professor in the Department of English & Writing Studies and Director of the Program in Film Studies. His main areas of research are 19th-Century British Literature and Culture and Literary Theory. He has published nearly 40 articles in academic journals and books on topics ranging from the role of the typewriter in the emergent information culture of Victorian Britain, to the scientific investigation of the occult in the literature of the 1890s. His most recent research project, a scholarly edition of The Savoy , has just been published as part of the Yellow Nineties 2.0 . He has also served as the Editor of the Victorian Review (2017-24), and as a member of the executive committee for the North American Victorian Studies Association and the Victorian Studies Association of Western Canada.
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