APRIL 2006 ISSUE
Marc Boulet
STUDENT COLUMN
Graduates Inducted at the
Earth Ring Ceremony
One Ring to rule them all…
– J.R.R. Tolkien
BY MARC BOULET
University of Calgary
Student Columnist
(Geosciences)
 |
EARTHLY LESSONS - PEGG Columnist Marc Boulet, centre, works through an ethics case during the workshop before their Earth River Ceremony. March 10 in Calgary. Beside Marc are Lindsay Miller and Brian Romero. |
Geoscience graduates at the University of Calgary were torn away from their studies to participate in APEGGA’s day-long workshop and Earth Ring Ceremony, March 10. Our numbers were drawn from the Geology and Geophysics Department, as well as the geology concentration of the Earth Sciences Program.
The day became an important time for graduates to reflect on their time spent in university, and to begin contemplating the challenges and rewards of their professional futures.
Food for Thought
We spent the morning with graduating engineers engaged in four ethics case studies,
which highlighted the essential role APEGGA plays, as arbiter and regulator,
in the conduct of professional geologists and geophysicists. The town-hall-style
discussion brought to light the myriad of complexities and subtleties new graduates
will face in the work world, as numerous perspectives were debated and dissected.
Earth Ring Ceremony
After lunch, the afternoon saw the induction of 91 new graduates and eight professional
members into a tradition that dates back to 1979. It’s a modification of
the Iron Ring Ceremony, which dates from 1922 and Rudyard Kipling’s Ritual
Calling of an Engineer.
In front of the graduates and their families, Dr. Edward Krebes, P.Geoph., the master of ceremonies, impressed upon us the importance of the ceremony as a celebration of professional integrity. Dr. Charles Henderson, P.Geol., and Dr. Robert Stewart, P.Geoph., attended as Ring Stewards and explained the symbolism of the ring as an “immediate and remote searching of nature’s knowledge.”
Peers of Ian Grant, a graduate in applied and environmental geology, selected him as valedictorian. His thoughtful speech brought back wonderful memories. We then recited the Ring Oath, which grants us passage into the geoscience professions, and received our rings and certificates.
Afterwards, we were treated to an inspiring overview of our chosen professions by keynote speaker Lisa Griffith, P.Geol., vice-president of the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists. Her personal and professional tales, as well as her insightful advice, inspired us all to imbue our careers and personal lives with the same passion and devotion.
A special thanks to APEGGA and all the professionals, especially Dr. Krebes, who devoted their time and energy to this day.
This serious nature of the day changed in time for a banquet, organized by the Rundle Group and the Geophysics Undergraduate Students’ Society. This evening event honoured graduates, with families and friends in attendance.
The night finished under the stars with an after-grad party at Ceili’s.
Final Words
As one of this year’s 91 graduates, this edition marks my final column
as a student contributor to The PEGG. Thanks to everyone who passed
along kind words and comments over the last two years.
I look forward to reading this column, under its future bylines, to see what
exciting and interesting things the University of Calgary and its students are
doing.
See you downtown!