1986 Fredericton Convocation - Ceremony A
Watson, Rebecca E.
Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)
Orator: Rowan, Donald F.
Image
Image Caption
L to R: Dr. James Downey, Rebecca E. Watson
Second Image Caption
Source: Joe Stone fonds-UA RG340, 1986 (#13766)
Citation:
CONVOCATION, OCTOBER, 1986
REBECCA ELIZABETH WATSON
to be Doctor of Laws
I have spoken to you today of Dr. Butler, a star in the distant glittering cosmos which is the entertainment world; we have made her one of us. Dr. Cambon was already a doctor of medicine and distinguished in her profession; we have made her twice our own. But what shall I say of "our Becky"? Nothing that we can do or say this afternoon can strengthen the ties of love, affection and service which bind Rebecca Watson to this University, to this City, and to this Province.
In her own quiet way she has proved to be something of an irresistible force, or as The Daily Gleaner called her in an awesomely alliterative headline - Barrier Breaking Becky Watson. For Becky was the first woman to crack a psychological barrier and to become the Bank of Montreal's first female Manager. She went on to become the first woman President of our Alumni Association; in recognition of this achievement the Bank of Montreal refurbished the "President's Room" in the Alumni Memorial Building; there is a plaque there honouring her achievements. While she was doing all this, she found the time to work for the United Way, for the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, for the University Women's Club, for the Pine Grove Nursing Home, for St.Paul's United Church, for the Dr. G. E. Chalmer's Hospital, and, perhaps most typically, as a volunteer for the Fredericton Community kitchen.
I say "most typically" because Becky's life has been one of concern for all human beings, whether they are customers at "her" bank, or people who need a meal or a helping hand. She has felt responsible for us all, and has served us all with a quiet, unassuming, dignity and determination which have endeared her to us all. To think of Becky is to think of all the "little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love" which have characterized her life.
Through an accident of the alphabet she is last to be honoured this afternoon, but most assuredly she is not "least." It is not necessary to go far afield to achieve distinction, for she has shown just what a woman can do in the world of business, and in university and community affairs. I know that Mary K. Tibbits would be proud of her, and when we honour Becky we honour all the women of this university. To you all, women of the past, present, and future, I can only say: Here's to the ladies; God bless 'em!
Insignissime Praeses, amplissima Cancellaria, tota Universitas, praesento vobis Rebeccam Elizabetham Watson ut admittatur Honoris Causa ad gradum Doctoris in Utroque Jure in hac Universitate.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
REBECCA ELIZABETH WATSON
to be Doctor of Laws
I have spoken to you today of Dr. Butler, a star in the distant glittering cosmos which is the entertainment world; we have made her one of us. Dr. Cambon was already a doctor of medicine and distinguished in her profession; we have made her twice our own. But what shall I say of "our Becky"? Nothing that we can do or say this afternoon can strengthen the ties of love, affection and service which bind Rebecca Watson to this University, to this City, and to this Province.
In her own quiet way she has proved to be something of an irresistible force, or as The Daily Gleaner called her in an awesomely alliterative headline - Barrier Breaking Becky Watson. For Becky was the first woman to crack a psychological barrier and to become the Bank of Montreal's first female Manager. She went on to become the first woman President of our Alumni Association; in recognition of this achievement the Bank of Montreal refurbished the "President's Room" in the Alumni Memorial Building; there is a plaque there honouring her achievements. While she was doing all this, she found the time to work for the United Way, for the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, for the University Women's Club, for the Pine Grove Nursing Home, for St.Paul's United Church, for the Dr. G. E. Chalmer's Hospital, and, perhaps most typically, as a volunteer for the Fredericton Community kitchen.
I say "most typically" because Becky's life has been one of concern for all human beings, whether they are customers at "her" bank, or people who need a meal or a helping hand. She has felt responsible for us all, and has served us all with a quiet, unassuming, dignity and determination which have endeared her to us all. To think of Becky is to think of all the "little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love" which have characterized her life.
Through an accident of the alphabet she is last to be honoured this afternoon, but most assuredly she is not "least." It is not necessary to go far afield to achieve distinction, for she has shown just what a woman can do in the world of business, and in university and community affairs. I know that Mary K. Tibbits would be proud of her, and when we honour Becky we honour all the women of this university. To you all, women of the past, present, and future, I can only say: Here's to the ladies; God bless 'em!
Insignissime Praeses, amplissima Cancellaria, tota Universitas, praesento vobis Rebeccam Elizabetham Watson ut admittatur Honoris Causa ad gradum Doctoris in Utroque Jure in hac Universitate.
From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2
Citations may be reproduced for research purposes only. Publication in whole or in part requires written permission from the author.