May 6, 2008

MEDIA ADVISORY

Life savers revered at convocation

His Royal Highness Prince el Hassan bin Talal of Jordon and the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, both of whom are recognized internationally for their work to eliminate land mines, are among 10 University of Calgary honorary degree recipients this spring.

“The work of universities is really about improving the quality of human lives,” said U of C Chancellor Joanne Cuthbertson. “The University of Calgary Senate is therefore proud to honour these two giants in international peace-building. I believe that Canadians take enormous pride in our role in bringing safety, security and a better quality of life to people in other parts of the world who need our assistance.”

The Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree is the university’s highest accolade, bestowed on those individuals who have made extraordinary achievements and done a great service to the community.

Also receiving honorary degrees this spring are Khalid Aziz, a world-renowned authority on petroleum engineering; one of the world’s leading paleontologists, Philip Currie; Mary Hetherington, the first female judge in Calgary; chief executive officer of Husky Energy Inc., John Lau; Past Calgary alderman, Bev Longstaff; Hockey legend Lanny McDonald; Ruth Ramsden-Wood, president of United Way of Calgary and area; and Robert White, a major player in the Canadian theatre industry.

“It is a privilege to be recognized by the University of Calgary,” said McDonald, NHL Man of the Year in 1989. “Calgary is our home and we’re proud to be a part of such a vibrant community. The designation of the Honorary Doctorate of Laws humbles me and it is with great appreciation that I accept it.”

In addition to the honorary degree recipients, nine will become part of the Order of the University of Calgary this spring, which recognizes those who have a record of distinguished service to the university. Those to be initiated include: Amanda Affonso BA’00, Ronald Bond, Michael Boorman, Lesley Conway MBA’89, Grant Gall, Aritha van Herk, Fred Terentiuk, Mary Valentich and Warren Veale.

Over the next two months, approximately 4,806 students will graduate and enter the workforce with strong leadership skills, diverse knowledge and the capacity to learn. Public is invited to attend the ceremonies, which will take place in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium at the University of Calgary on May 8 and June 9 to 13.

Convocation dates
Location: Jack Simpson Gymnasium

May 8 – 2 p.m.
Graduating: Faculties of law and medicine
Order of the U of C inductee: Grant Gall
Honorary Degree recipient: Mary Hetherington

June 9 – 2 p.m.
Graduating: Schulich School of Engineering
Order of the U of C inductee: Lesley Conway MBA’89
Honorary Degree recipient: Khalid Aziz

June 10 – 9 a.m.
Graduating: Faculties of Kinesiology and Science, Bachelors of Health Sciences
Order of the U of C inductee: Warren Veale
Honorary Degree recipient: Lanny McDonald  

June 10 – 2 p.m.
Graduating: Faculty of Science
Order of the U of C inductee: Michael Boorman
Honorary Degree recipient: Philip Currie

June 11 – 9 a.m.
Graduating: Faculty of Social Science
Order of the U of C inductee: Aritha Van Herk
Honorary Degree recipient:  Lloyd Axworthy  

June 11 – 2 p.m.
Graduating: Faculty of Social Science
Order of the U of C inductee: Amanda Affonso BA’00
Honorary Degree recipient: Bev Longstaff

June 12 – 9 a.m.
Graduating: Faculties of fine arts, humanities and nursing
Order of the U of C inductee: Ronald Bond
Honorary Degree recipient: Robert White

June 12 – 2 p.m.
Graduating: Haskayne School of Business
Order of the U of C inductee: ---
Honorary Degree recipient: John Lau

June 13 – 9 a.m.
Graduating: Faculties of communication and culture, environmental design and social work
Order of the U of C inductee: Mary Valentich
Honorary Degree recipient: His Royal Highness Prince el Hassan bin Talal

June 13 – 2 p.m.
Graduating: Faculty of Education
Order of the U of C inductee: Fred Terentiuk
Honorary Degree recipient: Ruth Ramsden Wood

For more information:
Meghan Sired
Media Relations Advisor
Department of External Relations
University of Calgary
Office 403 220 4756
Cell 403 852 5047