1976 Saint John Spring Convocation
Cushing, Travis Wentworth
Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Orator: Elliot, G. Forbes
Citation:
CONVOCATION, MAY, 1976
TRAVIS WENTWORTH CUSHING
to be Doctor of Laws
In exploring new horizons in education, mental health, counselling, you, sir, have been a pioneer, provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Born in Saint John, educated in that city at the Provincial Normal School, the University of New Brunswick and Boston University, Travis Cushing proceeded from the teacher's desk in a one room rural school in Kings County to the office of Deputy Superintendent of District 20, the largest school unit in the province. In this he was motivated by a burning desire to improve educational opportunities for all, especially the atypical student. To do this he turned to educational research and counselling. Organizations such as the Maritime Guidance Association, the New Brunswick and Maritime Psychological Association, the Atlantic Provinces Research Council are creatures of his interest and organizing ability. While these agencies came into being through his efforts, others such as the Canadian Teacher 's Federation Research Committee increased in service and stature under his leadership.
Believing that manhood, not scholarship, is the first aim of education, and intrigued by his early experiences in counselling, he moved out into the mainstream of Canadian and American thought through involvement in the Canadian Mental HeaIth Association and the International Association of Pupil Personnel Workers. These organizations recognized his contribution when in 1965 the Canadian Mental Health Association presented him with its national award, and when in 1972 he became the first Canadian to receive the coveted annual award of the International Association of Personnel Workers.
When the Provincial Government undertook a review of mental health services in this province, it did not, as governments so frequently do, go beyond provincial boundaries for advice and recommendations. It turned to Travis Cushing to chair the Minister's Study Committee on Mental HeaIth. The report of this committee moved mental health practices in this province into the twentieth century.
In 1959 citizens from the City of Saint John led by the late E.A. Whitebone petitioned the Legislature of the Province of New Brunswick (for a charter) for a university in the Loyalist City. This petition was supported by statistics prepared by Travis Cushing. In that sense he can be likened to one of the petitioners who in 1785 presented a memorial to the Governor-in-Council urging the establishment of an Academy of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the Province of New Brunswick which today is the University of New Brunswick. The statistics prepared by petitioner Travis Cushing were largely responsible for the existence of the Saint John Campus of our University.
In paying tribute to him, we acknowledge the role played by his wife and family in sharing him and his talents with the community at large.
Travis Wentworth Cushing has created an eminent place for himself in the fields of education, mental health and public service, and leaves society in his debt. The University of New Brunswick recognizes this remarkable contribution and, in joining those organizations that have already paid him tribute, welcomes him today into the University's family of distinguished graduates.
Praeses admittit Travis Wentworth Cushing honoris causa ad gradum Doctoris in Utroque Jure.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
TRAVIS WENTWORTH CUSHING
to be Doctor of Laws
In exploring new horizons in education, mental health, counselling, you, sir, have been a pioneer, provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Born in Saint John, educated in that city at the Provincial Normal School, the University of New Brunswick and Boston University, Travis Cushing proceeded from the teacher's desk in a one room rural school in Kings County to the office of Deputy Superintendent of District 20, the largest school unit in the province. In this he was motivated by a burning desire to improve educational opportunities for all, especially the atypical student. To do this he turned to educational research and counselling. Organizations such as the Maritime Guidance Association, the New Brunswick and Maritime Psychological Association, the Atlantic Provinces Research Council are creatures of his interest and organizing ability. While these agencies came into being through his efforts, others such as the Canadian Teacher 's Federation Research Committee increased in service and stature under his leadership.
Believing that manhood, not scholarship, is the first aim of education, and intrigued by his early experiences in counselling, he moved out into the mainstream of Canadian and American thought through involvement in the Canadian Mental HeaIth Association and the International Association of Pupil Personnel Workers. These organizations recognized his contribution when in 1965 the Canadian Mental Health Association presented him with its national award, and when in 1972 he became the first Canadian to receive the coveted annual award of the International Association of Personnel Workers.
When the Provincial Government undertook a review of mental health services in this province, it did not, as governments so frequently do, go beyond provincial boundaries for advice and recommendations. It turned to Travis Cushing to chair the Minister's Study Committee on Mental HeaIth. The report of this committee moved mental health practices in this province into the twentieth century.
In 1959 citizens from the City of Saint John led by the late E.A. Whitebone petitioned the Legislature of the Province of New Brunswick (for a charter) for a university in the Loyalist City. This petition was supported by statistics prepared by Travis Cushing. In that sense he can be likened to one of the petitioners who in 1785 presented a memorial to the Governor-in-Council urging the establishment of an Academy of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the Province of New Brunswick which today is the University of New Brunswick. The statistics prepared by petitioner Travis Cushing were largely responsible for the existence of the Saint John Campus of our University.
In paying tribute to him, we acknowledge the role played by his wife and family in sharing him and his talents with the community at large.
Travis Wentworth Cushing has created an eminent place for himself in the fields of education, mental health and public service, and leaves society in his debt. The University of New Brunswick recognizes this remarkable contribution and, in joining those organizations that have already paid him tribute, welcomes him today into the University's family of distinguished graduates.
Praeses admittit Travis Wentworth Cushing honoris causa ad gradum Doctoris in Utroque Jure.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
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