Trent University Announces Five Honorary Degree Recipients to be Recognized at 2014 Convocation Ceremonies
Award-winning novelist Joseph Boyden, renowned anthropologist Wade Davis, educator and Arctic researcher Shelagh Grant, accomplished public servant Richard Johnston, and investment leader David Patterson to be honoured at June convocation
Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University, announced on behalf of the University Senate the five outstanding individuals who will receive honorary degrees at Trent’s 47th Convocation ceremonies to be held from June 3 to June 6, 2014. Honorary Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Science degrees are awarded annually to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to academic life at Trent or to society as a whole.
“The individuals chosen as the 2014 honorary degree recipients represent many of Trent University’s key values, such as our commitment to leadership, intellectual collaboration, and social responsibility as global citizens,” said Dr. Franklin. “Through political and social engagement, contributions to the literary and academic fields, and a commitment to ethics and sustainability, our honorees truly embody Trent’s vision for students to become transformative members of Canadian society.”
Each of the following individuals will be presented with an honorary degree at this year’s ceremonies (full profiles follow on each recipient):
- Joseph Boyden –Tuesday, June 3, 2014 - 10:00 a.m. ceremony Doctor of Letters degree to be awarded for achievements in literature of Canadian and international importance and in concordance with Trent’s history of First Nations engagement
- Wade Davis – Wednesday, June 4, 2014 - 10:00 a.m. ceremony Doctor of Science degree to be awarded in recognition of his embodiment of Trent’s interdisciplinary and community-based learning values
- Shelagh Grant – Thursday, June 5, 2014 - 10:00 a.m. ceremony Doctor of Letters degree to be awarded for long-standing service as an educator, and renowned achievement as a scholar of the Canadian Arctic
- Richard Johnston – Tuesday, June 3, 2014 - 2:00 p.m. ceremony Doctor of Laws degree to be awarded in recognition of his contribution to education, social services and community engagement
- David G. Patterson – Thursday, June 5, 2014 - 2:00 p.m. ceremony Doctor of Laws degree to be awarded for significant achievements in ethical investment strategy and leadership in sustainable research and business practices
Complete list of honorary degree recipients throughout Trent University’s history.