At every Mount Royal University convocation ceremony the platform party is led into the Triple Gym by a procession of pipers with a familiar face at the front. The Spring 2014 proceedings were no different. In a personal tribute to graduates, ceremonies are always opened by MRU's President David Docherty heading up the Calgary International Airport Pipe Band the Cochrane Men of Vision Pipe as guests are seated.

Docherty opened the ceremonies by introducing Mount Royal's brand-new Chair of the Board of Directors, Karl Smith, who was pleased to be representing the Board at his very first MRU convocation.

And since MRU always does things a little differently, rather than the subdued and restrained procedures that are often associated with graduation Docherty encouraged everyone to have a good time.

"This is a fun day. Let's make it a fun day!" Docherty said.

"It is a chapter, for your story is far from told. But if we've done our job well at Mount Royal, then MRU will be part of that story as your journey continues."

The following faculties and schools crossed the stage during MRU's Spring 2014 ceremonies:

Thursday, June 5, 2014

• Faculty of Arts (Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice only)
• Faculty of Health and Community Studies
• Faculty of Science and Technology

Valedictorian Ryan Jon Johnson - Video

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice degree, Ryan Jon Johnson was the first valedictorian to deliver their speech during the afternoon ceremonies of June 5. He is looking forward to a future strengthening communities and assisting the public as a law enforcement officer, and plans on taking the sense of citizenship he built at Mount Royal with him to strengthen communities wherever he ends up.

Honorary Degree Recipient Hal Wyatt - Video

One of Mount Royal's most respected patrons of the arts and the namesake of the Conservatory's Wyatt Concert Series, Hal Wyatt leaves a legacy wherever he goes. He is a constant advocate for responsibility towards others and has amassed an amazing history of accomplishment achieved through benevolence, generosity and a keen sense of fairness.

View photos of the proceedings

Friday, June 6, 2014 - Morning Ceremony

• Bissett School of Business
• Faculty of Communication Studies
• Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension

Valedictorian Evan Christina Hudson - Video

Some may recognize Evan Hudson from the Cougars basketball team, where she played the role of captain twice, and her concentration on the court carried over to her studies and helped her earn a National Scholar Award from the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) as well as a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting. "University brings out the strengths in people that will enable them to overcome barriers and really make a difference," says Hudson. "The lessons we've learned here will benefit us in our futures tenfold."

View photos of the proceedings

Friday, June 6, 2014 - Afternoon Ceremony

• Faculty of Health and Community Studies (except Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice)

Honourary Degree Recipient Ken King, Bachelor of Health and Physical Education - Video

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Calgary Flames Ken King is an original and accessible leader that epitomizes how good citizenship and great success can complement each other. His unfailing optimism, charity towards others and loyalty towards Calgary and Alberta set a great example for graduates.

Valedictorian Danielle Gariepy - Video

Danielle (Dani) Gariepy honed her listening skills as a Resident Advisor on campus, and is heading out to join the challenging field of health care. She is planning to use her nursing degree towards addressing inequities in global health and developing community health initiatives. She urges graduates to, "Take your piece of blue with you wherever you go. Take what you have learned during your time here and build it into your own community."

View photos of the proceedings

Professors Emeritae

Each convocation Mount Royal University's Board of Governors selects former members of the faculty who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the University for the title for Professor Emerita. This year's choices are Diana Patterson, who recently retired from the faculty of arts and the faculty of communication studies, and Lee Wertzler, also from the faculty of arts.