The University of Lethbridge is excited to celebrate the achievements of its newest graduates at the 2017 Spring Convocation, June 1 and 2, in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.
![Caitlin Ratcliffe, pictured here with Faculty of Arts & Science Dean Dr. Craig Cooper, was one of the U of L's medal winners at 2017 Spring Convocation.](/unews/sites/default/files/Ratcliffe-medal.jpg)
Distinguishing themselves among the many outstanding graduates are the U of L’s medal winners for 2017. They are as follows:
Gold Medal of the Governor General – Megan Morman (Ceremony I)
Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing at the graduate level.
Silver Medal of the Governor General – Natasha Lohues (Ceremony II)
Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing at the undergraduate level.
Faculty of Arts and Science Gold Medal (Science) – Allison Farfus (Ceremony II)
Awarded an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award and an Alberta Innovates Health Solutions Award to complete research during her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Farfus will continue her studies at the University of Calgary, where she has been accepted to the Cumming School of Medicine.
Faculty of Arts and Science Gold Medal (Arts) – Caitlin Ratcliffe (Ceremony I)
Ratcliffe was an active and engaged learner throughout her completion of majors in History and English. The winner of the City of Lethbridge HistoriCity essay competition in 2016, Ratcliffe will begin her Masters of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta this fall.
Alberta Teacher’s Association William Aberhart Gold Medal in Education – Peter Vooys (Ceremony III)
Vooys excelled in his coursework and field placements, developing strong relationships with colleagues and students alike, and is also recognized for his significant and selfless volunteer work.
Faculty of Education Gold Medal – Tracey Driedger (Ceremony III)
Driedger was an exemplary student whose mentors praised her for her planning, preparation, student engagement and building of student and staff relationships.
Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal – Amy Parks (Ceremony III)
Parks has made significant contributions to the art community through four major curatorial projects and a variety of research projects, all while excelling academically. In 2016, she became the first U of L student to complete an internship at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies in Banff, Alberta.
Faculty of Health Sciences Gold Medal – Nicole Boras (Ceremony II)
Boras, a nursing student, is described as insightful, kind, thoughtful, respectful, compassionate, meticulous and thorough.
Faculty of Management Gold Medal – Marina Keijzer (Ceremony IV)
In addition to excelling academically, Keijzer completed three cooperative education terms and a term as a teaching assistant. Her bright and positive attitude continues to shine as she pursues her CPA designation.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Doctor of Philosophy – Laura Keffer-Wilkes (Ceremony I)
The combination of Keffer-Wilkes’ research accomplishments and impact with her communication and leadership skills are described as unique and impressive.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Arts – Emily Kirbyson (Ceremony I)
Kirbyson’s contribution to anti-racist scholarship complements the emergent critical “race and space” literatures in Canada. She is now turning her focus to doctoral studies at the University of Victoria.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Fine Arts & Music – Megan Morman (Ceremony I)
With more than 50 exhibits, presentations, performances, and publications, Morman has been recognized with professional and academic recognition across Canada. She will continue her work as she pursues doctoral studies at the University of Lethbridge this fall.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science – Diana Wilches Correal (Ceremony I)
Wilches Correal is an exceptionally well-trained molecular biologist and entomologist whose centres around the Khapra beetle, one of the world’s most invasive and destructive pests.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Education – David Fuller (Ceremony I)
Always putting students first, Fuller is a thorough and passionate researcher seeking better professional teaching practices to benefit literacy in schools. His research offers teachers and administrators new possibilities for engaging with students coming to Canada from diverse cultural contexts.
School of Graduate Studies Medal of Merit, Master of Science (Management) – Sagar Bhattarai (Ceremony I)
Noted as very hardworking and intelligent, Bhattarai excelled on his thesis presentation, producing a work that was exceptional and well above the standard for a master thesis.
The University of Lethbridge Spring Convocation ceremonies take place Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.