Rehab Med had much to celebrate at fall convocation

Everyone wanted to congratulate the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine's grads at the convocation reception in Corbett Hall on Thursday night. Besides the dean, associate dean, chair of speech and a professor, registrars from the Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA) and Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) as well as the rehab med representative to the alumni council had inspiring words for the students and their families.

"I'm sure you've heard many speeches already. You just came from (the Jubilee Auditorium) receiving congratulations from the university. Now, the Faculty would like to say our congratulatory remarks. It seems everyone wants to congratulate you today," said Joanne Volden, PhD, associate dean, grad studies and research, in her welcoming speech.

Rehabilitation Medicine celebrated 124 graduates from the MSc Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy programs and two from the thesis-based MSc Rehabilitation Science program at fall convocation. Karen Pollock, SLP chair; Shaniff Esmail, OT professor; Pat Edney, ACOT registrar; Anne Asaly, ACSLPA registrar; and Anne Lopushinsky from Alumni Council told encouraging stories and gave practical advice in their congratulatory remarks to the grads.

The Faculty recognized this year's student award winners: Leanne Wilson (SLP), Dean's Medal in Rehabilitation Medicine; Brittany Jamieson (OT), Medal in Occupational Therapy Graduate Award; Amanda Chen (OT), Dr. JR Fowler Memorial Book Award; Anita Hassanli (SLP) and Elly Park (OT), Jim and Fran Vargo Goodwill Award; Tracy Adams (OT) and Cari Michelle Thiele (SLP), Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Student Clinical Award; and Stephanie Christensen (OT), Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Student Award.

The Faculty also nominated Ms. Cathy Roozen who received the Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta. Roozen is a good friend of the Faculty's who has been a leading advocate for contributions to health care, health research and post-secondary education. Roozen has served the U of A as a governor, volunteer, advisor and donor.

"Today we recognize her friendship, wise counsel and her contributions to the wellbeing and betterment of our institution, and indeed her community," said Dean Martin Ferguson-Pell in his remarks before presenting the degree to Roozen at the convocation ceremony.

In his video to the graduates, he also congratulated the professors. "I know they've enjoyed working with you these last two years. I hope you found them to be good colleagues and informative mentors in reaching this important milestone.

Do remember that you are a member of this faculty. Keep in touch."