Community Leaders, Businesspeople and Philanthropists: New Slate of Citizens Receive Honorary Degrees
Honorary degrees have roots in the Middle Ages, but in modern times they are distributed to recognize individuals for outstanding community service and achievements. With convocation season in full swing, a new crop of noteworthy citizens has been receiving honorary degrees in Calgary this month.
On Wednesday morning, that honour at Mount Royal University went to Mike Shaikh, a business and community leader whose myriad of contributions has included positions with the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Children's Hospital, Education Matters/Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, World Literacy Organization, UNICEF and Calgary Police Foundation, just to name a few.
“Convocation is the best part of my job,” said Tim Rahilly, president and vice-chancellor of MRU, where 1,875 graduates were scheduled to participate in ceremonies. “It is a moment of great tradition and honour. Our community collaborates to coordinate this event where the stands are packed, and the gymnasium vibrates with excitement . . . all in recognition of the graduates here this week.”
Other MRU Honorary Degrees This Semester
- Debra Tomlinson: A long-time community leader, whose 30-year career helped improve and shape sexual violence response in Alberta.
- Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser: A world-renowned classical conductor and LGBTQ advocate known for introducing orchestral music to groups outside of traditional audiences.
- Mary A. Tidlund: A businesswoman, oil industry innovator and philanthropist, who started a charitable foundation that supports water, medical, education and other programs locally and internationally.
- David Weyant: A respected legal professional and governance leader, who is president and CEO of the Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association.
- Alice Kaquitts: A respected Îethka Stoney Nakoda Woman pipe holder and traditional ceremonialist who has made her mark as a social work professional, director of social development for Stoney Nations and interpreter on residential school survivor issues.
Meanwhile, at SAIT, Wim Pauw — who started the respected hospitality company Banff Caribou Properties — will be receiving an honorary Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism this month. He and his late wife Nancy established a family foundation that has donated more than $23 million to Bow Valley community organizations. Also at SAIT, Amin Bhatia will be receiving an honorary Bachelor of Business Administration. Bhatia is an Emmy-nominated composer who has worked in film, TV, radio and music production for decades.
University of Calgary Honorary Degree Recipients
- Deborah Yedlin: Calgary Chamber of Commerce president and former UCalgary chancellor.
- Marilyn and Jeff McCaig: Local philanthropists and long-time supporters of the university.
- Jackie Flanagan: Publisher and founding editor of Alberta Views magazine.
- Elder Rod Hunter: A knowledge keeper, cultural advocate and elected councillor for Bearspaw First Nation.
- Sauli Niinistö: Former president of the Republic of Finland, from 2012-2024.
With UCalgary celebrating its 60th anniversary, it saw its largest ever class of graduates this year, with 7,012 students graduating. More than 5,000 of them participated in a total of 11 convocation ceremonies. UCalgary now has an alumni community of more than 241,000 graduates.
