Convocation 2026
May 14 and 15, 2026
Baccalaureate Service (optional)
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
10 a.m.
Manning Memorial Chapel
Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Arts
Thursday, May 14, 2026
10 a.m.
Convocation Hall
Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Thursday, May 14, 2026
2:30 p.m.
Convocation Hall
Faculty of Professional Studies
Friday, May 15, 2026
10 a.m.
Convocation Hall
Convocation Information
Join the Alumni Family
Convocation
Show your pride
Customize your Convocation experience with backgrounds, GIPHY stickers, a Facebook frame and more! A digital celebration toolkit will soon be released. Follow along and share your celebration online using the hashtag #AcadiaUGrad2021
Convovation
Get your swag on
Shop for Acadia gifts and memorabilia at the University Bookstore online. Take a piece of Acadia wherever you go and show the world your Acadia pride.
Convocation
Wear your hood & gown
The beauty of a home Convocation means you can wear whatever you like. You even have the option of wearing the traditional regalia of a hood and gown for your celebration and photos. You can rent a gown and hood from Gaspard.
Convocation
Plan a watch party
Invite your classmates, friends, and family to a virtual watch party so you can share your Convocation experience! Consider hosting them on Teams using your Acadia account, or enjoy a small in-person celebration with your close-contact bubble! Post your party on social media using #AcadiaUGrad2021 so we can join in the fun, too!
Convocation
Frame your diploma
Our gift to our 2020 and 2021 grads is free shipping (Canada and USA) on all frame orders for a limited time! Check out the various styles available to frame your parchment. We want you to remember your achievements and display your Acadia credentials with pride.
Convocation
Join the alumni family
Your connection to Acadia University does not end with graduation. As a lifelong member of the Acadia Alumni, you are part of an amazing network of Acadia graduates. You also have access to benefits through that membership. We are excited to introduce you to our incredible alumni and keep you updated on events and opportunities. #StandUpandCheer
Order of Proceedings
Presiding
Bruce Galloway, DCL
Chancellor
Processional
University Marshal: Dr. Robert Raeside
Mi’kmaq Honour Song: Eastern Eagle
Piper: Ed Coleman
University Organist: John Scott
O Canada
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux! Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Prayer of Invocation
Rev. Dr. Marjorie Lewis
University Chaplain
Greetings
Elder Lorraine Whitman
President, Native Women’s Association of Canada
Address to the Graduating Class
Dr. Peter Ricketts
President and Vice-Chancellor
Graduating Class Message
Olivia Shive
2021 Graduating Class Life President
Awarding of Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates, and Awards to Graduates
Dr. Peter Ricketts
President and Vice-Chancellor
Presentation of Graduates
Dr. Anna Robbins
President, Acadia Divinity College and Dean, Faculty of Theology
Dr. Laura Robinson
Dean, Faculty of Arts
Dr. Suzie Currie
Dean, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Dr. John Colton
Dean, Faculty of Professional Studies
Dr. Anna Redden
Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
Acknowledgement of Faculty
Dr. Dale Keefe
Vice-President, Academic
Professores Emeriti Appointments for 2020
Dr. Barb Anderson
Professor Emerita of Nutrition and Dietetics
Dr. David MacKinnon
Professor Emeritus of Education
Dr. Dave Shutler
Professor Emeritus of Biology
Professores Emeriti Appointments for 2021
Dr. James MacLeod
Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology
Dr. Patricia Rigg
Professor Emerita of English
Dr. Ann Vibert
Professor Emerita of Education
Alumni Association Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Ian Spooner, Earth and Environmental Science
Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Rev. Dr. Malcolm W. Card
Doctor of Divinity
Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed
Doctor of Science
Kyle Lowry
Doctor of Humanities
Nancy McCain
Doctor of Humanities
The Right Hon. Paul Martin, PC, OC, QC
Doctor of Civil Laws
The Hon. Justice Murray Sinclair, LLB, MSC, IPC
Doctor of Civil Laws
Dr. Robert Strang
Doctor of Science
Closing Remarks
Bruce Galloway, DCL
Chancellor
Alma Mater
Everyone please join in singing the Alma Mater.
Far above the dykes of Fundy,
And its basin blue,
Stands our noble Alma Mater
Glorious to view.
Far above the busy highway,
And the bustling town,
Reared against the arch of heaven,
Looks she proudly down.
Chorus
Lift the Chorus, speed it onward,
Sing it loud and free!
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater,
Acadia, hail to thee!
Acadia’s records show that the lyrics to the Alma Mater song were originally written by L.D. Cox, Class of 1903, and they have been updated periodically to reflect our times. The most recent change – in 2018 – reflects the year-round activity in downtown Wolfville.
Benediction
Rev. Dr. Marjorie Lewis
University Chaplain
Recessional
University Marshal: Dr. Robert Raeside
University Organist: John Scott