UFV welcomed grads and their families over six ceremonies from June 13 to 15 as Convocation came “home” to the athletic centre gymnasium on the Abbotsford campus after more than a decade off campus. The official tally for 2023 graduates is approximately 2,349, but not all were able to attend a ceremony.
UFV achieved a very significant milestone over the course of the Convocation ceremonies. The university now has more than 50,000 alumni, just in time for its 50th anniversary, coming up in 2024.
The Faculty of Science awarded:
Degrees
- 105 – Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- 5 – Bachelor of Agriculture Science (BAS)
- 7 – Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES)
- 5 – Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Natural Sciences) (BES-NS)
Diplomas
- 6 – Agriculture Technology
- 5 – Associate of Science
Certificates
- 6 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- 10 – Data Analysis Post-baccalaureate (DAC)
- 8 – Horticulture Crop Production & Protection
- 3 – Livestock Production Certificate
- 2 – Current Agriculture Practices Essentials
- 1 – Field Vegetable Production Essentials
- 3 – Integrated Pest Management Associate
- 2 – Milker Technician Associate
Sydney Plante, who earned a Bachelor of Science with a physics major, addressed the graduating class of 2023. She spoke of the crisis-filled years during which the Class of 2023 attended university.
“Our graduating class is resilient. The world has shifted and changed since we started here. We’ve had pandemics, floods, global political movements, heat domes, and wars. Nothing could have prepared us for all that. But despite the bumps and obstacles, here we are.”
“The grad class of 2023 is writing history,” she continued. “One day when our grandkids learn about the 2020s, they’ll ask us how we did it. How did we keep up the motivation, the focus? How did we preserve our dreams when the whole world was falling apart? The answer to that question? Simple. We rose to the challenge. No matter what was thrown at us, we didn’t back down.”
So, what’s next for Sydney? Well, we will continue to see her on campus in the fall. She will be teaching 4 100-level physics labs.
Paula Eraso, was awarded the Faculty of Science Dean’s Medal of Excellence. Dr. Ian Affleck, Associate Dean of Science presented her with her medal.
To be eligible for this award, the student must graduate from a degree program and have attained a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on courses required for the degree. Paula exceeded the criteria with a 4.09 GPA! She not only excelled academically but she has participated in opportunities that indicate outstanding promise for a career in the agriculture field. She graduates with a Bachelor of Agriculture Science degree. We wish her all the best on her next chapter.
View all photos from the Faculty of Science Convocation Ceremony below
Be sure to also check all 6 ceremonies on UFV’s Flickr here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ufv/albums and the link to the 2023 Convocation Ceremony Program.