AV俱乐部

鈥淭o happy endings and new beginnings!鈥�

鈥淥ne degree equals two happy parents. Congratulations on your graduation!鈥�

鈥淢ay your degree unlock many doors to well deserved success.鈥�

Even if family and friends can鈥檛 attend fall convocation ceremonies in person at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium聽this weekend, they can still send their best wishes to AV俱乐部鈥檚 874 new graduates via a new interactive guest book, which will be posted on screens in the Dal Arts Centre lobby.

(View and sign the guestbook or stream webcasts of the convocation ceremonies live on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 at .)

Some may wish to send their best to the three outstanding individuals who are being recognized with honorary degrees at the ceremonies: Alexa McDonough, Bernhard Gueller and James Cowan.

Ms. McDonough will be the honorary degree recipient at the first convocation ceremony of the weekend. The ceremony, for students in the Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Dentistry, Health Professions, Law and Graduate Studies, takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m.

A pioneer in Canadian politics, Ms. McDonough was chosen as leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party of Nova Scotia in 1980, becoming the first woman in Canada to lead a recognized political party. During 14 years as leader, she served as critic in every area of public policy and on numerous standing and legislative committees, helping build the party into a vibrant political force. In 1994, she left provincial politics to take on the federal NDP leadership. She remained leader until 2003 and served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Halifax until last year when she retired from electoral politics.

Bernhard Gueller

Bernhard Gueller, the music director of Symphony Nova Scotia, will be presented with an honorary degree Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the ceremony for students of the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering and Graduate Studies. Maestro Gueller, who recently renewed his contract with the symphony for another three years, is recognized for his inspiring leadership of the symphony and the connection he makes with audiences.

Senator James S. Cowan is the third honorary degree recipient, expected to address graduates of the Faculties of Management, Science and Graduate Studies on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m.

James Cowan

Senator Cowan, a partner at Stewart McKelvey, Atlantic Canada鈥檚 largest law firm, has a long聽association with AV俱乐部. He began serving on AV俱乐部鈥檚 Board of Governors in 1972 and was involved on almost every committee and served for six years as chairman before retiring in 2008, after a remarkable 36 years of service. He has served as president of the provincial Liberal Association, was a candidate for the provincial party leadership, and was campaign chair, both provincially and federally. In 2005, former Prime Minister Paul Martin appointed him to the Senate where he now serves of Leader of the Opposition.