Nip U Students get vote of confidence from political heroes

The Honorable Romeo Dallaire addresses Nipissing University graduates Friday. Story and photos by Jesse Thomas/ Special to Baytoday.ca

A sweltering hot convocation for the faculty of education took place in the Nipissing gymnasium Friday. Proud parents, friends quietly chattering and fanning themselves filed into plastic seats eagerly waiting, not only sons and daughters to come forward and receive their diploma, but for a chance to see and hear key note speaker, the Honorable Romeo Dallaire.

Dallaire also accepted an honorary degree of Doctor of Education, before delivering a very deep and heart-felt speech.

In 1994 Lt. General Romeo Dallaire (retired) commanded the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda. His book about his experiences entitled, “Shake hands with the Devil - The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda, was awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction in 2004 and will be the basis of a full-length feature film scheduled for release later this year.

Dallaire says, “If there is one thing, anecdote, I can take from Rwanda and pass to the students today it is this: There were many strategies used by extremists in Rwanda, one such strategy was purposefully leaving areas (mainly ditches) filled with dead men and raped and tortured women, some of whom were still clinging to life.

“Now, when we asked the powers that be for permission to rescue these people we were told the risk was too great and the victims found in the ditch would die anyway…. What would you do in this situation? Many soldiers in Rwanda would disobey these orders and jump right on in to help their fellow man even when they knew the victims likely wouldn’t survive,” Dallaire said.

His point was that students should jump right in just as his soldiers did to help those in need.

“The students here today are the soldiers of our future and as they go into the world I hope they bring understanding and humanity to whatever they do in life. Remember, we’re all human and no one person is ever more human than another.”

Dallaire received a standing ovation for his thoughtful comments and advice for the graduates.

“This man has given so much to humanity. As his book states he has been through hell and back, it reveals an honest perspective of the horrors and gives us understanding as to what people experience half a world away,” says Dr. Peter Ricketts, Vice-President Academic and Education.

“He has taught us to stand up for humanity, he has educated us, he is devoted to this country and he continues to research conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance and human rights and is writing a book on the subject of child soldiers. There is no one more suitable to accept this honor than Romeo Dallaire.”

Arts and Science Convocation

This year marks the 15th convocation of the arts and science, Nipissing President Dennis Mock says that between the seven graduating classes there are more than 1900 graduates this year.
“Both teachers and students have expanded their horizons and opened their minds to new ideas and perspectives … Our efforts have been reflected by the Globe and Mail; we scored A’s and A pluses on their report card,” Mock says.

He then introduced Jean-Jacques Blais an accomplished lawyer, a member of The Queen’s counsel and Privy Councilor.

Most notably, he was a Member of Parliament for the riding of Nipissing in Northern Ontario from 1972 to 1984 and a Minister of the Federal Crown from 1976 to 1984 and today received an honorary doctor of letters degree.

He is counsel to the firm and advises clients on government relations, public administration and governance. Mr. Blais is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Liberal Party of Canada.

“You have completed your first steps of a revolutionary journey,” Blais told graduates.

“As you strive to learn more each day and help your fellow man, remember this paradox: What kind of person you become largely determines your level of success, not necessarily your credentials.”

“My previous riding ended with a bittersweet loss to Moe Mantha in 1984, but the graduates today should remember that when something bad comes along and knocks you down you have no choice but to get up, dust yourself off and continue to strive and be successful,” he adds.

He went on to mention his pride for the north, “I’m originally from Sturgeon Falls, so every time I visit this area during summer the first thing I do is through myself into Lake Nipissing, not only to wash off the dust from Ottawa but to immerse myself in the Northern life I love so much.”

Since 1991 Mr. Blais has served on some 12 democratization missions including 7 months in Bosnia in 1998 as Deputy Chairman of the Provisional Election Commission and 8 months in Afghanistan in 2003 as head of an advisory mission to the UN on elections readiness.