Acadia grad finally crosses the stage during Convocation 66 years after receiving his degree


By Fred Sgambati (’83, ’85)

Charles Dewey graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia in 1957, but he never had the chance to cross the stage to accept his degree.

Instead, Dewey and three pals, all Acadia grads – Stan Butcher (’56), Doug Campbell (’57) and John Haikings (’57, ’60) – found work and went out west ahead of Acadia’s convocation ceremonies that year.

“Three of us had jobs in B.C. with Crippen Wright Engineering in Vancouver,” Dewey says, “and Doug had a job in Alberta with Imperial Oil. Back in 1957 employment opportunities were very limited so when we were offered the positions, we had to accept the fact we would miss out on our convocation and start the drive to the west coast.”

Dewey did receive his degree in the mail back in 1957 and says he still has it, but the ambition to walk across the stage and share in the atmosphere of an Acadia graduation ceremony never really went away.

Fast forward to 2023 and an alumni gathering April 11 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. For the first time in his life, Dewey attended an Acadia alumni event. He shared his story with Executive Director, Alumni Affairs Oonagh Proudfoot (’93, ’06) and the rest, as they say, is history.

On Sunday, May 14, 66 years after receiving his degree, 89-year-old Charles Dewey finally crossed the stage during a Convocation ceremony at Acadia University, fulfilling a lifelong dream he has fostered since 1957.

He recently discussed his feelings in a Q. and A. e-mail interview, and we are delighted to share his comments with you today.  

Q. Was it a difficult decision to miss your convocation, or simply a matter of circumstance?

A. Yes, it was a difficult decision and required a lot of thought. Employment was hard to find at the time. I found employment in British Columbia and the position started before convocation. I did, however, have company on the drive out as four of us, all Acadia alumni, did find employment out west, three in B.C. and one in Alberta.

Q. We get the feeling that you’ve thought a lot about the possibility of crossing the stage at Acadia over the years. Is that so, and why is it important for you now to do this?

A. I have attended many convocations during my time teaching at NSCC as well as family convocations, and I often felt that I missed something by not attending mine. Something felt unfinished. I am getting older, almost 90, and time is running out.

Q. What does it say about the University to provide this opportunity at this time?

A. It is very generous of the University to provide me with this opportunity. I have always felt that a graduate of Acadia is a member of a great family and is always welcomed by the University.

Q. What was your Acadia experience like? How did it help you in life and career?

A. It was a lot of studying, but you have to work to get ahead. I enjoyed my time at Acadia and met people who would become my friends, some that I am still in contact with, such as Stan Butcher.

As far as my career is concerned, I used my knowledge in every job I was on. It gave me a lifetime of employment and job security.

Q. What would you say to others considering Acadia as a post-secondary school choice?

A. I would highly recommend the engineering/applied science program at Acadia. As a matter of fact, I have two grandchildren who took engineering/applied science at Acadia. My granddaughter is now a chemical engineer, and my youngest grandson is completing his course work to become an electrical engineer. It appears that an interest in engineering runs in the family, as I have a third grandchild that is a mechanical engineer.

The smaller size of the University is also an asset. You can get to know your fellow students as well as your faculty.

Q. What does it mean to you to be part of this year’s Convocation ceremony?

A. I am honoured to attend this year’s Convocation ceremony. It gives me a feeling of completion in my life.

Q. Do you have any other thoughts on the weekend and your participation in Convocation 2023?

A. I am very happy to be attending this event with my family. I would like to thank the Acadia Alumni Affairs Office for all their work in making this happen.

Dewey will be part of the ceremony honouring Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Arts, and School of Education graduates on Sunday, May 14, at 3 p.m. in University Hall.

For more on Convocation 2023 at Acadia, please click HERE.

Pictured above: Charles Dewey ('57, right) crossing the stage in University Hall, being welcomed by Chancellor Bruce Galloway ('68, '03). (Photo: Grant Lohnes)


Go back

Contact

Office of Alumni Affairs
Wu Welcome Centre @ Alumni Hall
512 Main Street
Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
Alumni Inquiries: 902.585.1459
Toll free in North America:
1.866.ACADIAU (1.866.222.3428)
Alumni Fax: 902.585.1069
acadia.alumni@acadiau.ca