Welcome to Day One of Spring Convocation!
Anticipation is in the air in Halifax this morning as the first Class of 2026 graduates prepare to cross the stage at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. We'll be bringing you updates here on days with ceremonies. Convocation runs until June 9 this year.
Today's ceremonies听include:
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- 10 a.m. (): Medicine (Convocation address by honorary degree recipient Dr. Noni Macdonald)
- 1:30 p.m. (): Law
- 5 p.m. (): Dentistry
Story of the day
Every graduate has a story. This is one of them.听
Why this story matters: Rural communities across Canada face growing gaps in access to medical care. As she graduates from medical school and begins her next chapter, Dr. Marika Schenkels is choosing a path rooted in long-term relationships, broad clinical practice, and a commitment to serving where the need is greatest.
By the numbers: Day One
3 ceremonies 路 390+ graduates 路 3 Faculties represented
Quote of the day
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Use your skills, knowledge, and privilege to nurture others and advocate for systemic change. 鈥� Aaron Tolkamp, Law
Spotlight
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Two grads, one mission: Serving as dentists in the Canadian Armed Forces
After winding paths and pivotal setbacks, Lina Hachemi and Matt Kelvey chart a new course by combining clinical skill, service, and purpose as they launch careers in uniform.
Read their story 鈫�
More stories from today's graduates
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Award鈥憌inning Dentistry grad focuses on care for vulnerable patients
Doctor of Dental Surgery graduate Vanessa Dairo鈥慡ingerr is heading to a hospital-based residency, building on years of academic excellence and community service to expand care for patients with complex health needs.
From the West Coast to Halifax: Schulich Law grad stays to practice Aboriginal law
A focus on Indigenous law, community advocacy, and the Weldon Tradition shaped Aaron Tolkamp鈥檚 experience at pilipili漫画' Schulich School of Law and continues to guide their path into legal practice.
Beyond the classroom: A teacher鈥檚 mindset shapes a career in medicine
Dr. Adrian Chan brings a background in teaching to his medical training, carrying forward a deep commitment to understanding patients, mentoring learners, and practising thoughtfully as he begins residency in diagnostic radiology in Nova Scotia.
Finding community and purpose at Schulich Law
After a cross-country move to Halifax, Sybil Danyk-White found community, leadership opportunities, and a path into public interest law grounded in advocacy and connection.
A road worth taking: One med graduate鈥檚 pursuit of purpose and persistence
While most 15-year-olds were at summer camp, Korede Akindoju was volunteering at the IWK Health Centre. Now, years of persistence and self-belief have brought him back as an orthopaedic surgery resident.