Congratulations to Robert Joseph who, in addition to receiving the Horace Harvey Gold Medal in Law for being the top graduating student, has also been selected to receive the Governor General's Silver Academic Medal. Mr. Joseph also received the Governor General's Silver Academic Medal in 2008, which is awarded to the three undergraduate students at the university who achieve the highest academic standing overall upon graduation, when he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics.
"I was surprised, but delighted and honoured when I found out that I had been chosen to receive the Governor General's Medal," says Joseph. "I've always worked to meet my own personal standards, and it's very nice to have my achievements formally recognized by the University."
In addition to receiving numerous academic awards and honours while completing his studies, Mr. Joseph was also actively involved in the community. During his time at the Faculty of Law he volunteered for Student Legal Services of Edmonton, participated in the Faculty of Law Peer Mentoring Program and was an Editorial Board Member of the Alberta Law Review.
One of Mr. Joseph's passions is music, which he believes provides, "a creative outlet that balances my academic endeavours." Before attending the University of Alberta he was the Principal Bassist with the Calgary Youth Jazz Orchestra. In his senior year of high school he created and directed a professional jazz quartet that played in jazz clubs and various private business events in Calgary.
During his time at the University of Alberta Mr. Joseph participated as a singer, instrumentalist, musical director and organizational leader with the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus, the Faculty of Education Handbell Ringers and Happnin' (university jazz choir). In 2006 he recorded Bassic Principles, a non-commerical solo electric bass album.
Following his graduation, Mr. Joseph will begin his articles in the tax department at Macleod Dixon LLP in Calgary. After his admission to the bar he intends to specialize in corporate income tax practice. Music-wise, he is currently studying a unique 12-string guitar-like instrument called the "Mobius Megatar".
Robert Joseph