English at King's University College

Congratulations to Olivia Irons (second from left) for winning the Board of Directors’ Gold Medal in the category of Honours Double Major in the Humanities! Olivia graduated with an Honours Double Major in History and in English Language and Literature.

At King’s Convocation, Liz Akiwenzie, honorary degree recipient, offered graduates a powerful reminder that learning does not end when they cross the stage.

“No matter what piece of paper you leave here with today, there’s still more to learn. It’s called life. Walk through the world with open eyes and experience all the things creation has to offer.

We all know what’s going on out there in the world. It’s up to all of us to walk through it with light and love and respect and kindness.”

Miigwech, Dr. Liz Akiwenzie, for your wisdom, care and the many teachings you have shared with the King’s community.

Congratulations to Professor Emeritus Brian Patton, retiring from King's after 32 years of warmth and wit at the head of the class. Prof. Patton won the King’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (Full-Time Faculty) in 2019 and the Copplestone-Csiernik Service Award in 2026. He also chaired our department from 2002-2007. Enjoy your retirement at the end of the month, Brian!

Congratulations to our distinguished King's Scholar graduates, including Ian Topham (left) of the English program.

Award-winning Anishinaabe journalist, author and storyteller Tanya Talaga will join King's for the President's Veritas Lecture, "Can Canada Move Towards Reconciliation?", on Thursday, September 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre.

A member of Fort William First Nation, Tanya has dedicated her career to sharing Indigenous stories and confronting truths about Canada's history and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Through bestselling books including Seven Fallen Feathers, All Our Relations and The Knowing, she challenges audiences to reflect on what reconciliation requires.

Her lecture is part of the Veritas Lecture Series: The Courage of Encounter, which invites our community to listen deeply, engage difficult truths and reflect on our responsibility to one another.

As National Indigenous History Month begins, we invite the King's community to learn from Indigenous voices and perspectives and continue meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation.

Learn more: https://kings.uwo.ca/upcoming-events/veritas-series-tanya-talaga