Today, especially, many of us reflect on the people and communities that have held us, nourished us, and raised us up to be able to be where we are today.
Tim Henderson, on behalf of the graduating class
On Friday November 28, the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Class of 2025 was able to mark the end of a chapter, and have their degrees officially conferred. Graduates from the Vancouver, Prince George, Surrey cohorts congregated in the Chan Centre on the Point Grey campus in Vancouver, and were formally addressed by UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Benoit-Antoine Bacon.
The Chancellor’s Procession was drummed in by John Stogan, from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band) and attendees to the ceremony were welcomed onto the unceded, ancestral land by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Councilor Alec Guerin, continuing a tradition that has been practiced since time immemorial.
Special guest Dr. Kenneth Edzerza received an Honorary Doctor of Laws for his leadership work in empowering youth, fostering wellness and advancing Indigenous self-determination, and Associate Professor of Teaching, Katie Lee Bunting, received her Killam Teaching Award, accompanied by loud applause from the audience.
Tim Henderson, speaking on behalf of the graduating class, detailed the student gifts to the University including dedicated printers for students in the AMS Nest, rejuvenation of the internal gardens in the Nest, and a mural on sustainability and movement in the Life Building, as well as an oak tree to join over 100 oak trees from previously graduating classes. Tim cited Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s text Braiding Sweetgrass and spoke of the importance of interconnectedness, mutual support and self-care, as well as offering thanks to the numerous supporters that cultivate a learner’s journey:
To the teachers, coaches, friends, family and chosen family, professors, preceptors, mentors and more. On behalf of all graduands, thank you.
In addition to the incredible achievements of the PhD and MSc graduates from the Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, a special mention goes out to OSOT lecturer Dr. Justin Turner (pictured above), who was awarded his PhD for his thesis ‘Garden of resilience: Individual, clinician, and Indigenous community stories of disruption and adaptation during the 21st century’ which explored the interconnectedness between resilience and occupation during record-breaking northern wildfires in northern British Columbia and the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting lessons for future research, practice, and policy.
After some humorous guiding notes about protocol, the main action began, and each member of the Class of 2025 made the all-important journey across the stage in recognition of their achievement.
After the closing of the ceremony, Dr. Ben Mortenson, who was the Mace Carrier for the proceedings, helped to lead the procession of graduates and guests out of the Chan Centre to further reunion, celebration and merriment across students and faculty alike.
As we step into the next chapter of our lives, we will increasingly be the ones called on to hold, to nourish and to raise up those around us.
Tim Henderson, as part of the student address
Congratulations Class of 2025, you did it! Tuum Est!
Watch the ceremony in full on Graduation at UBC.
