Chretien receives Queen's honorary doctorate

Former Prime Minister addresses Commerce and MBAst Convocation; Sir Graham Day speaks to Executive MBAs

May 26, 2004

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"Work hard, be happy, and work to make Canada an even better place in the 21st century" were former Prime Minister Jean Chretien's final words of advice to graduating Queen's Commerce and MBA for Science & Technology students at Convocation at Jock Harty Arena.

Dr. Chretien spoke to the graduating class after being awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen's University, the first such degree he has received since stepping down as Prime Minister late last year.

In a speech that touched on his 41 years in public life - in which he noted as recent highlights the creation of the Canada Research Chairs and the Millennium Scholarships, among many other accomplishments – he offered advice to graduates:

1. Be positive and optimistic.
2. Be self-reliant and ambitious, but remember you are part of a larger community.
3. Be generous, by getting involved in public life.

Following Convocation, Dr. Chretien and Queen's Principal Bill Leggett chatted informally with business graduates at a reception in Goodes Hall.

Executive MBA Convocation
The previous week, the Executive MBA Class of 2004 were the first to receive their Queen's degrees this spring. Nearly 200 graduates of the Executive MBA program gathered with family and friends for Convocation on May 20.

Sir Graham Day, the successful Canadian-British business leader, spoke to the group. Born in Halifax, Sir Graham is presently Chairman of Sobeys Inc., Canada’s second largest national retail grocery business. He has had a long career leading major businesses in the UK and Canada, including serving as Chairman of Cadbury Schweppes plc, PowerGen plc, British Shipbuilders, The Rover Group plc and British Aerospace plc. Sir Graham was knighted in 1989 by Queen Elizabeth II for service to British industry.