Canadian Author and Science Journalist Bob McDonald Addresses Loyalist Convocation and Offers Three Steps to Success
Loyalist College honoured 810 graduates from the Schools of Continuing Education and Media Studies at the afternoon Convocation ceremony held on June 10.
The guest speaker at the event was author and science journalist Bob McDonald who urged graduates to, “find something that you really like to do and figure out a way to get paid to do it.”
Mr. McDonald explained that although science was not something he was very good at in school, he always had an interest in the way the world looks through scientific eyes and today, he has a job that allows him to talk to scientists on radio and television, about “knowledge which is new to humankind.”
He explained that he has taken advantage of opportunities which came his way, and advised graduates to always follow three important steps: “Step One – say yes to opportunities. Step two – just focus on the first thing you need to do – the best way to get past the fear factor is to ask yourself, ‘Okay, where do I start?’ Step Three – finish what you start. Also – travel! The world is beautiful and people are good – it doesn’t matter where you go. The best thing that you find is how great this country is; appreciate the richness and beauty we have as Canadians.”
Bob McDonald has been communicating science internationally through television, radio, print and live presentations for more than 30 years and is the host of CBC Radio’s award-winning science program Quirks and Quarks, which has a national audience of nearly 500,000 people. The National Science Commentator for CBC Television and Gemini-winning host and writer of the children’s series Head’s Up, told the audience that receiving an honorary diploma from such a distinguished institution as Loyalist College, “is truly a deep honour for me.”
Beyond his work in media, Mr. McDonald sits on several boards and is Chairman of Geospace, an exciting new environmental centre and planetarium for the Toronto Waterfront. He is the recipient of the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Sir Sandford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute, and the McNeil Medal from The Royal Society of Canada.
Canadian Author and Science Journalist Bob McDonald (right) is presented an Honorary Diploma by Stuart Wright, Chair of the Board of Governors
Media Contact: Dianne Spencer, Executive Director, College Advancement & External Relations, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2235; dspencer@loyalistc.on.ca