Largest ever Aboriginal class caps off U of S convocation
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) spring convocation concludes today at TCU Place, highlighted by the largest class of Aboriginal students to graduate from the College of Medicine in school history.
By James Shewaga
Ten of the 84 students graduating today with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) are of Aboriginal heritage (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), a great source of pride for the college and the university.
"This is an exceptional accomplishment, and the College of Medicine continues to be a leader amongst Canadian medical schools with programming and support for our Aboriginal medical students," said Dr. Preston Smith, the dean of medicine.
The MD students are among 363 self-declared Aboriginal students graduating this week, the largest class in school history.
"We are excited to honour this wonderful class of graduates and celebrate Aboriginal student achievement, which is one of our eight priorities on campus as we strive to become the university-of-choice for Aboriginal students in Canada," said Candace Wasacase-Lafferty, director of Aboriginal initiatives at the U of S. "Our students continue to challenge each and every college at the University of Saskatchewan, and the College of Medicine is another great example of that."
In total, 3,375 students are graduating this week, the second-largest class in U of S history.
"Convocation is a time of celebration for both our graduates and the university," said Russell Isinger, university registrar. "The graduate, along with their family, friends, professors and support staff, have worked very hard to get to this point. It certainly is a team effort and I am so proud to be part of the team."
"Our newest cohort of graduates join a distinguished and accomplished group of U of S alumni including a Canadian prime minister, a Nobel Prize winner, award-winning authors and artists, ground-breaking researchers, successful business executives, accomplished athletes and many, many more."
This year's grad class joins a community of more than 143,000 U of S alumni.
For more information, please contact:
James Shewaga
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
W: 306-966-1851 C: 306-270-5583
james.shewaga@usask.ca
"This is an exceptional accomplishment, and the College of Medicine continues to be a leader amongst Canadian medical schools with programming and support for our Aboriginal medical students," said Dr. Preston Smith, the dean of medicine.
The MD students are among 363 self-declared Aboriginal students graduating this week, the largest class in school history.
"We are excited to honour this wonderful class of graduates and celebrate Aboriginal student achievement, which is one of our eight priorities on campus as we strive to become the university-of-choice for Aboriginal students in Canada," said Candace Wasacase-Lafferty, director of Aboriginal initiatives at the U of S. "Our students continue to challenge each and every college at the University of Saskatchewan, and the College of Medicine is another great example of that."
In total, 3,375 students are graduating this week, the second-largest class in U of S history.
"Convocation is a time of celebration for both our graduates and the university," said Russell Isinger, university registrar. "The graduate, along with their family, friends, professors and support staff, have worked very hard to get to this point. It certainly is a team effort and I am so proud to be part of the team."
"Our newest cohort of graduates join a distinguished and accomplished group of U of S alumni including a Canadian prime minister, a Nobel Prize winner, award-winning authors and artists, ground-breaking researchers, successful business executives, accomplished athletes and many, many more."
This year's grad class joins a community of more than 143,000 U of S alumni.
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For more information, please contact:
James Shewaga
Media Relations Specialist
University of Saskatchewan
W: 306-966-1851 C: 306-270-5583
james.shewaga@usask.ca