Brandon University will hand out more than degrees at its annual Spring Convocation on Friday, June 1.

The exceptional accomplishments of several alumni and educators will also be recognized at the ceremonies at the BU Healthy Living Centre. Three Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented, as well as three awards for current BU faculty, and the Distinguished Teacher Awards.

During the morning ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., retired BU Biology Professor Al Rogosin will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his advocacy for conservation and education as well as building relationships between academics and the community. At the same ceremony, Dr. Sarah Plosker will receive the Senate Award for Excellence in Research, while Denise Hardy will receive the Senate Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Richard Pass and Steve Dzubinski will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards during the afternoon ceremony, which begins at 2:30 p.m. Pass, an alumnus of BU and the current CEO of Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, will be recognized for his leadership and advocacy for families in need. Dzubinski retired last year after more than 40 years at BU as an Athletic Therapist and an instructor in the Department of Physical Education. He is being honoured for his contributions to the University and his impact locally, nationally and internationally as an athletic therapist.

Dr. Jacqueline Kirk will receive the Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Teaching at the afternoon ceremony, while three Distinguished Teacher Awards will be presented: to Mary Jane Napolitano, of Winnipeg, in the Kindergarten – Grade 6 category; to Don Cuggy, of Brandon, in the Grade 6 – 9 group; and to Cameron Watson, of Gladstone, in the Grade 10 – 12 classification.
Dr. Linda Hutcheon will receive an honorary Doctorate of Literature during the afternoon ceremony in recognition of her contributions to the exploration of postmodernist culture, critical theory, and comparative literature, as well as to her advancement of interdisciplinary study in the humanities.

Convocation will mark an educational milestone for 584 students, who will receive their BU degrees on June 1. The celebration will be capped by the All Nations Pow Wow, which will take place on Saturday, June 2.