“The best part about being a professor is the opportunity to work with bright, young minds. We have the privilege to watch you grow and now, watch you launch. Whatever you do, please know that Dalhousie can’t wait to hear about it, can’t wait to read about it, can’t wait to see it. Your professors, your classmates, the community here, we are all with you as you go on in this voyage. Whatever you do in your life, if it’s important to you, it’s important to us. You have the glorious responsibility of deciding what exactly that is. It’s your turn. Work hard. Strive to be happy.”
Professor Joan Davison Conrod
Professor Joan Davison Conrod inspired graduates with her convocation address at the Spring 2018 ceremonies held on May 29, 2018. The Class of 2018 has the profound honour of graduating in the year that Dalhousie University celebrates its 200th anniversary.
We invite you to view the Spring 2018 Ceremonies and share the excitement of students at the end of their academic journey. It will bring back memories of your own graduation. Professor Joan Davison Conrod’s address begins at the 1.05 mark, however we suggest beginning with Dr. Richard Florizone’s introduction at the 1:04 mark. While Professor Conrod is retiring this year from Dalhousie, she will continue to teach accounting and share her knowledge in the combined MBS(FS) and MBA Leadership program.
“I hope that you loved your time here and are eagerly anticipating what comes next.
What trumps smart? What stands out? Hardworking, respectful. These are character traits that will serve you well, whatever comes next. The harder I work, the luckier I get.
My advice to you – to be open, take chances, work hard, nurture your talent.
Have you reinforced your ethics and values during your time at Dal? That is another thing I hope for you. Don’t lie, cheat or steal – EVER. Have respect for the beliefs of others. Treasure diversity.
Stand tall, notice those hard decisions when they come to you and approach them with grace and flare and generosity and determination.”
Professor Joan Davison Conrod
“Are you ready to help others? You can use your talents for people in need. Don’t hesitate – help!
Another hope that I have for you is that you learned the importance of your family. In addition, friends are our chosen family. Friends come and go like waves in the ocean, but the true ones stay like an octopus on your face. Find the octopi in your life, invest the time to nurture those relationships.
In the next chapter of your life, you don’t get marks every day for feedback. You have to provide your own feedback. Are you good at that yet? How was you last effort? Honestly? I would encourage you to use a balanced scorecard: work metrics, personal metrics, ethical metrics.”
Professor Joan Davison Conrod
Dalhousie Spring 2018 Convocation
Photos taken from the Dalhousie Spring 2018 Convocation webcast.
