Celebrating our education graduates: The class of 2024 takes off!

Faculty of Education
Education
Alumni
Convocation
Convocation 2024
Photo credit: B. Findley
It’s time to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of a new graduating class, one whose path was full of challenges, triumphs and inspiring moments. It contains tomorrow’s teachers, who’ll change the educational system and shape the future of learning.

Ottawa campus convocation

On June 7 at Ottawa’s Shaw Centre, happy graduates of the Teacher Education, Formation à l’enseignement, master’s and doctoral programs were honoured. Pride lit up the faces of the family members present, themselves a testament to the varied and inspiring paths taken by these graduates, who’ve balanced studies, family life and career.

The Faculty of Education also conferred two honorary doctorates at the event:  

Albert Dumont  

Elder, activist, volunteer, humanist, father, grandfather and poet, Albert Dumont currently serves his community as a member of the Grandparents Council for Well Living House and St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. Ottawa’s former English poet laureate, Dumont has published six books of poetry and short stories that reflect his deep respect for nature, as well as two children’s books.  

Dumont has dedicated his life to promoting Indigenous spirituality and healing and to protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples, particularly those rights affecting youth. He has also worked as an elder for the Parole Board of Canada as well as a spiritual adviser for Indigenous men incarcerated at Millhaven Institution’s J Unit, near Kingston, Ontario.

Albert_Dumont
Photo credit: B. Findley
Honorary Doctorate '24

“The lessons given me by ‘all my relations’ have taught me that if I shun thoughts of self pity from my life's trail, I will in the end, enjoy a good life! I prefer to soar on the blessings one...”

Elder Albert Dumont

— Algonquin elder, Kitigan Zibi

Photo credit: B. Findley
Ruth Westheimer  

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, born in Germany in 1928, has had a remarkable life. Escaping the Holocaust at the age of 10 by taking refuge in a Swiss home, she fought for Israel’s independence at age 17, and was seriously injured. After studying at the Sorbonne, she moved to the U.S. in 1956, receiving a master’s from the New School of Social Research and a doctorate from Columbia University.  

Known as “Dr. Ruth,” she was a pioneer the field of media psychology through her radio program, Sexually Speaking. She also taught at many well-known universities. She is the author of 46 books, including Sex For Dummies. Her newest, The Joy of Connections, will be published in October 2024. Dr. Westheimer was recently appointed “Ambassador to Loneliness” by New York governor Kathy Hochul. 


"I am delighted to accept this honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa, especially since my son, Joel Westheimer, has been teaching at the university for many years. My entire life has been devoted to education, both sex education and education more broadly. Education is a transformative force and a source of hope. It is through education that we unlock potential, ignite curiosity, and empower individuals. I dedicate this recognition to all the educators who tirelessly work to illuminate minds, to the students who strive for excellence, and to the institutions like the University of Ottawa that provide the fertile ground for intellectual growth. Thank you for this incredible honor. Together, let us continue to transform lives through the power of education." 

Ruth_K_Westheimer
Honorary Doctorate '24

“My entire life has been devoted to education, both sex education and education more broadly. Education is a transformative force and a source of hope. It is through education that we unlock potential...”

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer

— Psychosexual therapist

Windsor campus convocation  

On June 19, the Fugolar Furlan Club was the scene of a large celebration as the Windsor campus honoured graduates of the Formation à l’enseignement program. The evening took place with emotional families, University community members and representatives of the local school boards, as well as special guest Andrew Dowie, Windsor-Tecumseh MPP and proud uOttawa alumnus. A wonderful time to recognize the young talents ready to shape the future of education.

Windsor campus convocation collage

Toronto campus convocation

On June 20, cheers and applause rang out in the Cathedral Church of St. James when the Faculty of Education celebrated the achievements of Formation à l’enseignement program students at the Toronto campus. Despite the challenges of changing locales and course formats, these graduates showed exceptional resilience. Surrounded by loved ones, members of the University community and regional partners, they marked this important step in their careers with pride and determination.

Toronto campus convocation collage

“My congratulations. I’m tremendously proud to have been part of your inspiring journey and your honours. On behalf of the Faculty of Education’s professors and staff, I offer you my warmest congratulations. Facing challenges, you’ve shown resilience and commitment, for which we’re grateful. Not only have you frequently overcome adversity, but you’ve flourished.” – Richard Barwell, dean, Faculty of Education

You’ve made it, and the next chapter of your story begins now. Congratulations! We’re eager to follow you closely, wherever your education takes you. Stay in touch, and tell us your story

Ottawa campus convocation collage

From doctoral student to doctorate holder


The Faculty awarded doctorates to eight English- and French-speaking researchers at this year's spring convocation ceremony. We salute our new PhDs for their contributions to knowledge in the vast field of education, and wish them all the best in their future careers.  

To find out more about their doctoral theses, visit the uO Research portal.

Virginie Abat-Roy

L'(in)accessibilité et l'inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap bénéficiaires de chiens-guides et de chiens d'assistance : une recherche photovoix

Marie-Pier Bastien

Exploration des pratiques de littératie familiales chez des élèves hispanophones scolarisés en première année en Outaouais

Xingtan Cao

Becoming Canadian: Examining the Lived Experiences of Recent Adult Chinese Immigrants to Canada

Fatou Cisse

Conception et utilisation des cours en ligne au secondaire dans le contexte minoritaire de l'Ontario

Michelle Dorion

Développement et validation de questionnaires de satisfaction quant à l'utilisation de la téléconsultation auprès des patients et professionnels de la santé en contexte francophone minoritaire

Carolyn Hebert 

Relational Flow in Improvisational Tap Dancing: A Phenomenological Study

Lanquing Qin

Representing ‘Native Speakers’ on English Language Teaching (ELT) Websites in China

Kelly Alexandra Mckie

The Complexity of Mathematics Teachers' Collaborative Professional Learning 

Complete list of doctoral graduates