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| Ben Duinker: Hard work is rewarding beyond "letter grades." (Abriel photo) |
Years of pouring over books, taking in lectures and all-nighters at the library comes to this: Spring Convocation. More than 3,100 Dalhousie students attired in black robes and hoods in shades ranging from peacock blue to gold will graduate during one of 14 ceremonies taking place from Tuesday, May 22 to Wednesday, May 30.
DalhousieÕs graduates are taking up the challenge to create a better life and society for Nova Scotia, Canada and the World. Each day through this Convocation season, we'll bring you one of their stories.
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Ben Duinker, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Performance), says his experience at Dalhousie was extremely positive.
ÒThe university is at such a size that it is big enough to be cosmopolitan, but small enough to feel communal,” says the Halifax resident.
He is the recipient of numerous scholarships and prizes that recognize both academic and performance excellence. An active composer and performer, Ben recently premiered a composition at a concert in March, 2007. He has been accepted, by audition, into the Symphony Nova Scotia apprenticeship program (percussion). He plans to continue his studies at McGill in the form of a MasterÕs degree in Music.
The most important thing he learned during his time at Dal, he says, was to see how hard work can be rewarding beyond Òletter grades.” ÒMusic offers many opportunities to realize this,” he says.