Former Queen’s Chaplain Brian Yealland (DDiv'16), with his usual grace and wisdom, urged graduating students to make room for the heart and soul, the spiritual work of living, in all that they set out to do in their lives.

“There is a spiritual and humanitarian quest in your future by which you will come to value your lives and contributions,” said Dr. Yealland, upon accepting an honorary doctorate in divinity on Wednesday at spring convocation. He warned: “Fail to nurture the heart and soul at your peril.”

Quoting the late NDP leader Jack Layton, as well as writers George Saunders and the late David Foster Wallace, Dr. Yealland in his address made the case for love and kindness, especially in the fast-paced, digital world of today.

“Your task is to wake each day and live with grace, humility, compassion, connection and justice, for each other and the natural world,” he said.

Dr. Yealland, an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto and a Master of Divinity from Queen’s, spent 11 years counselling inmates as a parole officer with the Correctional Service of Canada before arriving at Queen’s and beginning his work as University Chaplain.

For 30 years, until 2013, he provided non-judgmental support and spiritual guidance to students, faculty and staff.

Before receiving his honorary degree, Dr. Yealland spoke about the transformational time he experienced in the chaplain’s office, as the university and the country transitioned from a more religious era into a more pluralistic and secular time. Dr. Yealland founded the Interfaith Council in 1983 at Queen’s, working with many to develop new protocols to accommodate religious needs on campus.

“It was fascinating to be part of that transition. My role on campus was less religious and more about services and providing personal support to the campus community,” he said in an interview. “It was a transition to recognizing all of the world’s religious traditions, and tackling longstanding issues. I was here during very interesting years.”

Dr. Yealland felt the honour of receiving the doctorate deeply – noting how he’d been part of convocation ceremonies for 30 years as chaplain and very aware of the tremendous history and accomplishments of those who have received honorary degrees.

“Many people devote their lives to this university, and not everyone is recognized in this way. It is very special to me,” said Dr. Yealland, who plays keyboard in a couple of rock bands, and has many festivities planned, with family, friends and music, for the evening ahead.

“I’ve also kept in touch with many of the students I worked with over the years, and many have contacted me this week, including Ali Velshi, who also received an honorary degree,” he said. “I have so many fond memories.”