Chancellor Thirsk will bestow the honorary degrees on Tuesday in Montreal and on Thursday in Calgary
Nov. 6, 2015
Honorary degree recipients announced for fall convocation
A message to the campus community from the president and chancellor
The University of Calgary’s fall convocation ceremonies will be held on Nov. 12 in the Jack Simpson
The University of Calgary’s highest academic honour, the Doctor of Laws, is bestowed upon individuals whose notable achievements and community service merit recognition. These distinguished individuals will address our graduating class during the fall convocation ceremonies, sharing words of wisdom gained through years as leaders in their field.
We are pleased to announce our honorary degree (HD) recipients for fall convocation:
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 | 10 a.m. | McGill University
HD: Brenda Milner
One of the greatest neuroscientists of the 20th century, Brenda Milner’s pioneering research has contributed to a greater understanding of how the brain works. She has published more than 100 papers on memory and other cognitive functions and is a distinguished lecturer in brain research as the first Dorothy Killam Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Montréal Neurological Institute and Hospital and McGill University. Milner’s work spans over seven decades and has been internationally recognized through numerous awards and honours.
Milner’s honorary degree will be presented by Chancellor Robert Thirsk during a special ceremony at McGill University on Nov. 10.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 | 9:30 a.m. | University of Calgary
HD: Her Honour, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, CM, AEO, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
Lois Mitchell is a business icon, dedicated volunteer and prominent community leader who has contributed immeasurably to the quality of life in her community. Her extensive record of volunteer service includes work with amateur sport organizations at the provincial and national level, with a particular focus on hockey and women in sport. She has also contributed her time and talent to organizations that promote national unity, education, music, the arts and Canada’s men and women in uniform.
Mitchell’s honorary degree will be presented by Chancellor Robert Thirsk during the morning convocation ceremony on Nov. 12.
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 | 2 p.m. | University of Calgary
HD: Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is a Palestinian physician and inspirational peace and human rights activist. His internationally best-selling book, I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity – an autobiography inspired by the loss of his three daughters in the 2009 Gaza War – has been translated into 23 languages and has received critical acclaim. Dr. Abuelaish is the founder and president of the Daughters for Life foundation and is currently an associate professor of public health at the University of Toronto.
Abuelaish’s honorary degree will be presented by Chancellor Robert Thirsk during the afternoon convocation ceremony on Nov. 12.
Our honorary degree recipients are an integral part of convocation as inspirational role models for our graduates. Please join us in offering our congratulations and welcoming Brenda Milner, Lois Mitchell and Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish to our University of Calgary family.
Elizabeth Cannon, President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Robert Thirsk, Chancellor
The University of Calgary’s fall convocation ceremonies will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Both ceremonies are held in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium in the Kinesiology Complex and are open to the public.