Students and alumni reflect on undergraduate years
What does it mean to be a Guelph Gryphon?
This year’s Last Lecture addressed that very question, offering the graduating class of 2014 one last opportunity to gather and reflect on their time spent at U of G. The lecture, held on April 3 in War Memorial Hall, was a night devoted to celebrating the accomplishments of students both inside and outside of the classroom, and considering the U of G’s legacy in light of the institution’s 50th anniversary.
Three lecturers were chosen to honour the occasion: the student speaker was Thomas Heeman, B.A.H. ’14 (International Development), the faculty lecturer was U of G President Alastair Summerlee, and the alumn lecturer was Mayor Karen Farbridge of the City of Guelph.
Brenda Whiteside, Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs, spoke briefly, congratulating the graduating class of 2014 on their significant achievements. “While each of you may have had a different experience over the past years, I feel confident all of you have progressed both intellectually and personally through this time,” said Whiteside.
Heeman took to the stage first, presenting the student’s view: “The hours we spent reading, writing, and reflecting have started to unlock the secret worlds, in nature, ourselves, and our place in society.”
Heeman discussed the mythology of the Gryphon: “In my mind, Gryphons hold a fierceness of heart, a commitment to service, and a depth of character,” and also acknowledged the challenges – both personal and academic – that many students encounter as they pursue their education, and highlighted Guelph’s reputation as an accommodating and inclusive university.
Farbridge discussed her own experiences at Guelph, having completed three degrees during her time on campus, and later taking on a role as the director of OPRIG and serving as a faculty member in the Department of Political Science.
“I met and was inspired by people who cared deeply about their community. I found my growing involvement in my community extremely rewarding, and something that I wanted to pursue,” said Farbridge.
Summerlee’s involvement at University of Guelph started when he joined the faculty in 1988 as a professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Summerlee became the 7th President of the University of Guelph on July 15, 2003.
“After 26 years here…being a Gryphon is now very much a part of my blood,” said Summerlee. “One of the essential elements of the mythological creature of the gryphon is that it is the keeper of knowledge, and therefore to be a symbol for the University of Guelph is incredibly significant.”
Summerlee spoke of a “Gryphon code,” consisting of five L’s: “Live. Live your life to the fullest, every single moment of it.” Laugh, and don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn, and “care for the people and planet around you. In a world that is ridden with injustice and beset by dogma, prejudice, and disadvantage, we need people like you – people who care, people who are willing to make a difference,” Summerlee said. Listen to your heart and to those around you, and follow your passion. And finally, leave: “Know when it’s time to leave, know when it’s time to turn and walk away.”