Amid the wonderful musical contributions from Yong Dong W, the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Katrina K and Nicole M, and the Mulgrave Strings, the audience was inspired by Luke A’s valedictorian speech and the address to the graduands, by special guest, Mr. Robert Lee.

Mr. Lee, former Governor and Chancellor of UBC, and grandfather to four Mulgrave students, including one of this year’s graduates, Michelle, was the school’s special guest for the Convocation Ceremony – an event focused on honouring and highlighting the accomplishments of this year’s graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. Lee’s speech outlined personal advice based on his experience and successful career in real estate and philanthropy. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada, the Order of British Columbia and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from UBC. Most recently he received the 2008 Pacific Lifetime Achievement Award from Ernst & Young and was inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame.

As well as believing in yourself and following your dream, Mr. Lee urged students to learn how to be patient, live life to the standards they believe in, give back to their communities and let honesty be their guide. His final words of wisdom were for the graduates to be thankful for all their parents have done, and asked all grads to stand and thank them.

The graduation festivities continued on into the weekend, with the Grad Ball on Saturday evening.