Convocation Controversy
Published by MAC on 2005-10-21Convocation Controversy
http://www.vocm.com/news-info.asp?id=6499
October 21, 2005
Some seven hundred graduate and undergraduate degrees will be awarded today as Memorial University holds its fall convocation at the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre. Inco chairman and CEO Scott Hand received an honourary doctor of laws degree this morning while Labrador community activist Elizabeth Penashue will be honoured tonight. Several professors will receive the designation 'professor emeritus' during convocation including Dr. Derek Burton, Dr. Philip Gardner, Dr. Richard Haedrich, and Dr. Joseph Hodych.
The president of Memorial University's Student's Union didn't attend today's convocation ceremony. Cletus Flaherty says MUNSU voted to boycott the event, because they disagree with giving an honourary degree to the head of Inco. Flaherty says Inco has a bad record on human rights and the environment.