Graduate pledge indeed moving

In reading Andrew H Miller's Bsc DDS emotion in attending this spring convocation and reciting the allumni pledge with his graduating son [see note below], that emotion was felt by many other Alumni as well. I had the privilage of attending a co-worker's ceremony who as a mature part time student, full time worker and full time Mom finally achieved the goal of getting a degree after 10 years of study. It was certainly rewarding for me for the many hours I spent proofing papers & assignments and offering mentoring where I could.
 
Ken Dewis BComm 76 

Graduate pledge moves proud parent

I recently attended my son's convocation this spring. Two years previously I watched my second daughter receive her degree and two years before that my eldest daughter earned two degrees. At my son's ceremony I was invited to recite the Graduate's Pledge and it was one of my life's proudest moments. You see, I also earned a degree from U of Calgary in 1967, forty years ago. To see the last of my three children graduate from such an acclaimed institution brought tears to my eyes.
 
Andrew H. Miller Bsc, DDS

The Pledge

Provost and Vice-President Academic:
All candidates for degrees are invited to rise
Eminent Chancellor and President, on behalf of the faculties of the University of Calgary, it is my pleasure to present to you these graduands and those whose names appear in the Convocation Program who are not able to be in attendance at this ceremony.  I ask that they be pledged and be admitted to the University of Calgary degrees to which they are entitled.

President and Vice-Chancellor:
You are about to be granted the University of Calgary degrees to which you have justly become qualified.

To become a graduate of this university is to join a worldwide kinship of educated persons who have earned the opportunities and responsibilities of leadership and service in their chosen communities across the world.

To recognize this affinity and these responsibilities, we invite each graduand of the University of Calgary to join with the thousands who have gone before in making the Graduate’s Pledge.

The Pledge is not an oath but is a solemn expression of your best intention to apply your learning and your experience in the most positive manner for the widest benefit.

I invite all past graduates of the University of Calgary to offer their support to these newest alumni of the U of C by joining them in an affirmation of a graduate’s obligations and ideals.

All former graduates of the university are invited to stand.

Distinguished Graduate:
Let us make the pledge together with sincerity and respect:

As a graduate of the University of Calgary, wherever my life may take me, I will use my knowledge, experience and skills to the best of my ability for the well-being of my communities and the advancement of learning and the public good.

I will conduct myself with honesty and integrity, taking responsibility for my actions and respecting the rights, opinions and dignity of all peoples.

I will maintain my competency and understanding and keep abreast with developments in my chosen fields.

I will strive to better my communities through good citizenship and active participation.

I will be a loyal ambassador for my university and will seek to promote its welfare and maintain its reputation.

I will honour all who have shared their knowledge with me by sharing my knowledge and experience with those who will in future enter my field or come under my direction.

In all my dealings, I will endeavour to be known as a person of honour and repute ever seeking to earn the peace of good conscience.

Chancellor:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Statutes of the Province of Alberta and upon the recommendation of the learned faculties of this university, I admit you to the University of Calgary degrees to which you are entitled and invest you with all the rights and privileges, powers and responsibilities pertaining to those degrees.