Although air horns weren’t permitted, guests at Carleton’s convocation managed to find other ways of cheering on their graduates and their former governor-general on the morning of Nov. 10.
Former Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean received an honorary degree alongside graduates for her outstanding work in journalism.
Jean, who is the University of Ottawa chancellor, was presented with the Doctor of Laws honoris causa at the morning convocation ceremony.
John Osborne, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences introduced Jean before she received her degree.
“We have all grown to love her for what she is, a warm human being with a driving passion to make our country a better place,” Osborne said.
As Osborne spoke, Jean stood on stage, her signature curly copper hair and smile distinguishing her from the hundreds of other robed graduates in the fieldhouse.
After her degree was awarded, Jean delivered the convocation address.
She thanked those in attendance for the honour and urged graduates to reflect on the value of their education.
“Millions of people around the world can only dream of having the chance of attending school. I encourage all of you students in this room . . . to acknowledge how lucky and privileged you are,” she said.
A Haitian immigrant herself, Jean now serves as the UNESCO Special Envoy to Haiti.
“The very reason I agreed to campaign tirelessly everywhere in support of Haiti is because I can no longer bear to hear about the resilience of the Haitian people,” she said. “Resilience is but the last resort before dying.”
She said her dream for the Haitian people is to make education accessible.
“Education empowers citizens to become more responsible, more innovative, and less vulnerable,” she said.
She said her passion for civic responsibility and leadership is what has consistently driven her, including her years as a journalist for the CBC and Radio-Canada.
“I considered journalism a civic duty. One that consists of . . . opening hearts by opening eyes, always seeking to shed light on what remains in the shadows, and giving a voice to those who often go unheard,” she said.
Before Jean became the first black governor-general, she was the first black reporter on French Canadian television news.
“Her desire to break down barriers in Canada between different races, cultures, languages and income groups is perhaps best summed up in the motto chosen for her vice-regal coat of arms. A motto which she embodies more than any other Canadian, ‘briser les solitudes,’” Osborne said.
Jean said she continues to serve Canadians alongside her husband Jean-Daniel Lafond as co-president of the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. The foundation is part of her governor-general legacy project and supports young artists who use art as a tool for social change.
“We believe in the power of the arts. To heal distressed souls, to bring peace to troubled communities, to mobilize our youth . . . in order to create a society in which everyone everywhere can fulfill their highest aspirations,” Jean said.
