Chief Leslee White-Eye to be honoured at King's Convocation

King’s convocation ceremonies on June 13th will celebrate the achievements of new graduates in the humanities, social sciences, business and social work from across Canada and around the world. During the convocation at 3 p.m. in Alumni Hall, Western, they will hear a special message from Honorary Degree recipient Chief Leslee White-Eye, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

Chief White-Eye will be accepting her Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D). She is the first woman in over 60 years to lead the Nation. As well, Chief White-Eye is a dedicated educator, advocate and community champion. She has spent countless hours devoted to the development of her community and the advancement of youth. Chief White-Eye is a member of King’s Board of Directors.

“I believe that everything we do, we have to bring the next generation along with us,” says Chief White-Eye. She says she is honored to be recognized as an emerging leader. “It carries some expectations and it helps me to realize the things that I need to stand up for today as a leader. I hope that today’s youth don’t wait until they are pushed into a corner before they have to stand up as a leader.”

Chief White-Eye says she has hope for the King’s graduates. “I see that they will lead with a mind to the community to tackle the challenges we have with community relations.” She credits King’s focus on infusing social justice into curriculum and the student experience.

Convocation will also recognize King’s Professor of Economics, Business and Math, Dr. Trevor Hunter, who will be presented to the Chancellor Emeritus as the recipient of the King’s University College Award of Excellence in Teaching by full-time faculty. Professor Jeremy Greenway of the department of English, French, and Writing, will be presented as the recipient of the Award of Excellence in Teaching by part-time faculty at King’s.

Dr. Nick Skinner from the Department of Psychology will be presented to the Chancellor Emeritus who will confer the status of Professor Emerita. Dr. Skinner is renowned as a strong teacher and he is a past recipient of the King’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The recognition of Professor Emerita is for professors who retire after having completed a minimum of five years of full-time academic service as a tenured professor at King’s. Dr. Skinner has been a member of King’s faculty for 45 years.

The convocation begins at 3 p.m., Alumni Hall, Western. It is preceded by an Awards Brunch at King’s at 10:15 a.m., a procession of graduates and a mass at Labatt Hall, King’s campus, 266 Epworth Ave at 11:45 a.m. A reception for graduates and their families follows the Convocation ceremony, hosted by King’s Alumni department. All are welcome at attend the events at King’s. There is free parking and transportation to Western. Seating at Western is limited to those with tickets. There is rush seating prior to the start of the ceremony on a first-come basis.