Convocation is a celebration of the most important investment we make in our lives, the investment in education.

I am extremely proud of all of our graduates and am confident their hard work and determination will be rewarded as they begin their careers or pursue graduate studies. I recognize that many contribute to the investment of education. The student, their families, their professors, the university community and the public at large all make contributions - some large, some small - that ultimately lead to graduation day. While the students are justifiably in the spotlight, convocation gives us the opportunity to gather as a community of learning and share that success.

Convocation does not signal the end of a journey. In many ways, it is just the beginning. The graduates we celebrate with this ceremony will share their talents and skills with their community in ways which will enrich us all. I invite and strongly encourage them to play an active and permanent role in our university as they move from student to alumni.

The University of Manitoba alumni family is critical to the success of the institution and of students who are yet to arrive here to study. They act as ambassadors, proving to prospective students, their families, and employers that the University of Manitoba plays a vital role in the successes of individuals and our community.

I am constantly inspired by our University of Manitoba alumni and how they have used what they have learned on this campus to achieve personal success while making their communities, their provinces or states, their countries and the world a better place. Eight of our nine honorary graduates this year are University of Manitoba alumni who have achieved great personal success and have made great contributions to the university following graduation. They include:

* Allan Ronald, a pioneer in the field of infectious disease research who helped establish the U of M's team of world-renowned infectious disease experts; * Claude Bernier, who has been recognized for his work as a distinguished researcher and trailblazer with respect to improving global wheat production; * Catherine "Kiki" Delaney, a philanthropist and Member of the Order of Canada. Ms Delaney was one of the first women to conquer the male-dominated Bay Street status quo before establishing her own successful investment council firm; * Stu Clark, a successful Calgary-based entrepreneur whose vision and generosity have been driving forces in helping make the I. H. Asper School of Business a world-class hub of entrepreneurial activity; * Gary and Janice Filmon, who have made contributions to this province that extend far beyond Mr. Filmon's tenure as Manitoba premier. As distinguished alumni of the U of M, the Filmons have consistently risen to the challenge of helping promote and advance the reputation of their alma mater; * Terry Sargeant, the former chair of the U of M Board of Governors and one-time MP. Mr. Sargent has been integral to trendsetting causes such as the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission as well as lending his support to the arts through his involvement on various local boards; and * Philip Lee, Manitoba's first Chinese-Canadian lieutenant-governor and, for more than three decades, a staunch supporter and defender of Chinese Canadians across the country.

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian doctor and fertility expert who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip and has dedicated his life to the search for peace in the Middle East rounds out or list of inspiring honorary degree recipients.

While the alumni we are celebrating are an impressive group, I am confident the class of 2011 will meet and exceed the success of the graduates that came before them in ways we cannot possibly imagine.

They will serve as new ambassadors for our university as they make their mark in the world. They are the next generation of alumni and benefactors who will contribute to our university and our community. Once again, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and wish them all the success in the world.

Sincerely, David T. Barnard President and Vice-Chancellor