Dressed in her academic regalia, Carolan McLarney addressed students in the packed Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. “The next time you see us,” she said, “will be when you graduate, looking like stand-ins for a Harry Potter movie.”
Those words, met with rousing applause, was the highlight of Dr. McLarney’s keynote address at the Dalhousie induction ceremony. The annual tradition formally welcomes students to the Dal community with a mix of humour and fun.
Though the September air had started to cool—and, for part of the afternoon, deliver some raindrops—the funky Dal scarves worn by attendees were more for style’s sake than anything. That said, they may well have come in handy for anyone who got an ice cream headache after the ceremony, when students were treated to ice cream sandwiches hand-delivered by senior administrators and Dal alumni.
President Tom Traves delivered the Dalhousie pledge at the ceremony and spoke to new students about finding new friends, working hard and possibly meeting their future spouse.
“My advice to you is to participate,” he said. “School is more than classes. It concerns concerts, plays and volunteer opportunities. Participate in the real world and you’ll have a better understanding of what you learn.”
First-year university can be exciting, stressful and overwhelming. Dr. McLarney, vice-chair of Senate (academic programs) and professor with the Faculty of Management, shared her experiences as a first-year biology student at the University of Guelph. After dreaming of being an oceanographer since age 11, she went to Guelph glowing with confidence. A year later, she was dismissed as a student through academic probation. Eventually she went on to earn a doctoral degree in International Business from York University.
“Don’t despair if things change,” she said. “I believe life works itself out. Focus on life-long friendship and connections. One course, one lecture, one course can change your life.”
Candice Sampson came to Dalhousie for the adventure. Originally from Cape Breton, she’s feeling better about coming to Dal. “I feel more comfortable about being here now,” she says. “I came here to try new things and I like everything so far.”
DSU President Chris Saulnier talked about his decision to come to Dal before getting carried away, literally, by four hooded guys. Where he went is still a mystery for now, as DSU executives plotted his rescue in a funny video.
While the induction was filled with humour, students got the message. Even though Karly Tulle doesn’t know what her major will be, she’s looking forward to life at Dalhousie.
“Today it really sunk in that I’m part of the graduating class of 2015,” she said. “I’m finally here and excited to learn.”
Jim Wilson, president of the Dalhousie Alumni Association, shares some ice cream at the post-ceremony social. (Nick Pearce photo)