University of Windsor honours class of ’63 during 50th anniversary convocation

By Richard Riosa

A group of University of Windsor alumni have been given honorary degrees at the university’s 50^th anniversary convocation ceremony.

The university was founded in 1963 when it was incorporated through the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The university’s roots stem from Assumption University which was founded in 1857 as a Christian college by the Basilian order of the Catholic Church. The university is now non-denominational and Assumption University is a federated member of the University of Windsor.

To celebrate 50 years of operation, the university honoured 22 members of its graduating class of ’63 at the first of two convocation ceremonies Oct. 19. The 22 men and women walked across the same stage as the new graduating class of students who were receiving their degrees.

Alumnus Trevor Collier was among those who were honoured at the ceremony. Collier said he doesn’t normally attend reunions, but the lasting relationships he had made at the University of Windsor influenced him to attend.

Former University of Windsor philosophy and communications professor Stanley Cunningham spoke during the ceremony. Cunningham also sits on the university’s Board of Governors.

Cunningham also said he chose to attend the event because of the bonds created during his time at the university.

“It means a lot (to be here). It reconnects me with the class of ’63, some of whom I’ve taught,” said Cunningham. “A couple of these guys have come up (to me). I taught them and it’s very moving.”

Although the university is continuing to expand, Cunningham said it’s important to honour the stages of the institution’s growth as well as Assumption University.

Collier, who went to Assumption before switching to Windsor, said it’s important for the university to honour the history of Assumption University. With his girlfriend becoming pregnant in the final year of his degree, Collier said the basilians who helped run Assumption were very supportive and helpful in his efforts to obtain an education.

“The basilians were absolutely, fantastically supportive. What a great group of men. They were always around. In the student centre you could have coffee with them, discuss your courses, it was just a great experience,” said Collier.

Collier said it’s important to honour the contribution basilians have made to education in Windsor.

University of Windsor alumnus and former Windsor-Tecumseh Ontario Liberal Party MPP Dwight Duncan was also honoured for his contributions to the university. Duncan received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the second convocation ceremony.

Duncan, who retired from politics in February, also holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and MBA from the University of Windsor. Duncan said he learned a lot during his time at Windsor and was honoured to receive recognition from an institution with which he has such a personal connection.

“Coming from a university I attended and worked with over a number of years as a member of the government, it is deeply humbling and most appreciated and something that will mean a lot to me throughout my life,” said Duncan.

Duncan said the investments in education made by the Liberals are what gives him the most pride from his career as a politician.

Although Cunningham said Duncan has received a lot of criticism throughout his political career, he also said he deserves to be honoured for his contributions to the University of Windsor.

“He did a lot for this city and did a lot for this university,” said Cunningham. “He worked hard, he did what he could and I believe he deserves recognition.”