1985 Fredericton Convocation - Ceremony A
Graduation Address
Delivered by: La Forest, Gerard V.
Content
"UNB Speakers Express Confidence, Optimism" Daily Gleaner (21 October 1985): 21. (UA Case 69, Box 2)
Supreme Court Justice Gerard V. La Forest:
"The most important people here today are the graduates. You are important because you are today receiving official recognition – richly-deserved recognition – for the work and the sacrifice you have put into achieving a praiseworthy goal you have set for yourselves. I offer you heartfelt congratulations in your achievement."
"Greater importance still flows from the fact that you are, and others of your generation are, masters of the future. You have taken the significant step of preparing for your responsibilities."
"I would simply say a few words of encouragement. In these uncertain times, many of you, I know, will have a measure of trepidation about the immediate future, but I invite you to take heart. I too began my career in troubled economic times. I know from experience that while there may be difficulties with the initial hurdles, you will soon find your own niches in life. Your perseverance will stand you in good stead in meeting the challenges that lie ahead as will the intellectual growth you have experienced."
Mr. Justice La Forest noted that his own father feared for his son’s future. He said his father always told other family members: "You know, that boy, I don’t think he can hold a job."
"Your perseverance to date will serve you in good stead in meeting the challenges that lie ahead."
"For a university is far more than a place where skills are imparted and knowledge is preserved or advanced," he said. "A university is more than an amenity, it is a treasure," he said quoting jurist Oliver W. Holmes.
"I know that with the knowledge and the insight that you have gained here, you can go on to achieve your goals and what is more important, achieve satisfaction in life."
The lawyer, recipient of an honorary doctor of civil laws degree from his former alma mater, also reflected upon the development of UNB’s law program to its current standing. Its graduates have gone on to establish this province’s role in the legal community and contribute to its development nationally, he suggested.
Supreme Court Justice Gerard V. La Forest:
"The most important people here today are the graduates. You are important because you are today receiving official recognition – richly-deserved recognition – for the work and the sacrifice you have put into achieving a praiseworthy goal you have set for yourselves. I offer you heartfelt congratulations in your achievement."
"Greater importance still flows from the fact that you are, and others of your generation are, masters of the future. You have taken the significant step of preparing for your responsibilities."
"I would simply say a few words of encouragement. In these uncertain times, many of you, I know, will have a measure of trepidation about the immediate future, but I invite you to take heart. I too began my career in troubled economic times. I know from experience that while there may be difficulties with the initial hurdles, you will soon find your own niches in life. Your perseverance will stand you in good stead in meeting the challenges that lie ahead as will the intellectual growth you have experienced."
Mr. Justice La Forest noted that his own father feared for his son’s future. He said his father always told other family members: "You know, that boy, I don’t think he can hold a job."
"Your perseverance to date will serve you in good stead in meeting the challenges that lie ahead."
"For a university is far more than a place where skills are imparted and knowledge is preserved or advanced," he said. "A university is more than an amenity, it is a treasure," he said quoting jurist Oliver W. Holmes.
"I know that with the knowledge and the insight that you have gained here, you can go on to achieve your goals and what is more important, achieve satisfaction in life."
The lawyer, recipient of an honorary doctor of civil laws degree from his former alma mater, also reflected upon the development of UNB’s law program to its current standing. Its graduates have gone on to establish this province’s role in the legal community and contribute to its development nationally, he suggested.
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