Brandon University has unveiled its official 2026 Convocation artwork, a luminous and deeply personal piece by Manitoba artist Betty Sawatzky that captures the iconic Clark Hall beneath a vivid display of northern lights.
The artwork, titled Under the Northern Lights, Crowning over a Century of Discovery, was created using alcohol inks on ceramic tile, which is a medium known for producing flowing, dreamlike textures and intensely vibrant colour.
Brandon University is once again looking for the right artist who will create a special memento for the coming year’s graduates. The university’s Convocation 2026 artwork will be presented to all graduates at Convocation in the spring, continuing the cherished annual tradition.
Brandon University is looking for an artist to create a special memento for the coming year’s graduates. The university’s Convocation 2025 artwork will be presented to all graduates at Convocation in the spring, continuing a tradition that has become cherished in its first five years.
A beloved Brandon artist will be recognized with an honorary degree during Brandon University’s (BU’s) Convocation this week.
Weiming Zhao will receive a Doctor of Literature degree during Friday’s Faculty of Arts Convocation ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m.
Graduates from Brandon University this year will receive a print of commissioned artwork that reflects on their experience at campus, and will become a unique memento of their time at BU.
Brandon University has issued an open call for artists interested in creating a unique new work that will be presented to graduates at Convocation 2024 in the spring.
For this recent tradition, BU works with an artist each year to create a piece of art that is in some way reflective of that academic year.
Graduates at Brandon University receive more than a degree when they walk across the stage at Convocation — they are also presented with a unique piece of commemorative art.
“This is one of our newest Convocation traditions, and quickly becoming one of our most cherished,” said Andrea McDaniel, the University Registrar, whose office oversees Convocation. “It was inspired in 2020 when we wanted to offer something tangibly meaningful at a time we were required to celebrate virtually.