Laurentian University Announces Chancellor’s Installation and Honorary Doctorates

May 27, 2026— Laurentian University will be installing its new Chancellor and awarding three honorary doctorate degrees during the spring convocation ceremonies.

The Chancellor-elect and the honorary degree recipients will be in attendance to be recognized alongside graduating students.

“This year’s convocation is a milestone moment for Laurentian University as we formally install Kristan Straub as our third Chancellor and celebrate our honorary doctorate recipients. These individuals, including Glenn Nolan, Dr. Patricia Pickard, and Dr. Rayudu Koka have spent their lives building bridges—between industry and Indigenous communities, and between academic excellence and student success. Their presence on stage serves as a powerful reminder to our graduates that their education is the foundation for a life of purpose and global impact.” said Dr. Lynn Wells, President & Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University.

The convocation ceremonies will be streamed live via YouTube and are available from https://laurentian.ca/alumni/convocation

Award Dates

• June 1, 2:30 PM – Installation of Kristan Straub as Chancellor
• June 2, 10:00 AM – Glenn Nolan
• June 3, 2:30 PM  – Dr. Patricia Pickard
• June 4, 10:00 AM – Dr. Rayudu Koka

Chancellor Installation

Kristan Straub

A visionary bilingual leader and a champion for Indigenous economic sovereignty, Mr. Straub brings a deep personal and professional connection to the University, embodying its unique tricultural mandate. A proud band member of Henvey Inlet and French River No. 13 First Nation and a fluent French speaker, Mr. Straub embodies the diversity of the Laurentian University community. 

Mr. Straub’s relationship with Laurentian spans generations. An alumnus himself (Hon. B.Sc. Geology ‘98), he is the grandson of Art and Eva Solomon, who were instrumental in founding the federated Native Studies Program. His ties to the campus are literal and symbolic; at age twelve, he helped his grandfather construct the Apology Cairn on campus, a monument commemorating the United Church’s apology to First Nations people and a landmark of reconciliation.

Mr. Straub currently serves as the inaugural President and CEO of the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation, managing a $10-billion federal program to support Indigenous equity ownership in major economic projects. His career includes executive roles at Wyloo and Glencore Nickel, where he led the renegotiation of the Raglan Impacts and Benefits Agreement. 

Kristan has over 25 years of global experience in the mining industry across mineral exploration, mining and metallurgical operations, and senior executive leadership. Before joining Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation, Kristan served as CEO of Wyloo Canada and held senior leadership roles at Glencore, including Vice President of Exploration for Glencore Nickel, President of Koniambo Nickel SAS in New Caledonia, and Vice President of Glencore’s Raglan Mine in Nunavik. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Mining Association of Canada and Ontario Mining Association. He holds an Honours B.Sc in Geology and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Laurentian University in 2025 in recognition of his significant contributions as a leader.

Honorary Doctorate Recipients

Glenn Nolan, Honorary Doctorate of Laws 

Glenn is a member of the Missanabie Cree First Nation with over four decades of experience in the mining sector and Indigenous relations. A former three-term Chief of his community, Glenn was the first Indigenous person to serve as President of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). Throughout his career, he has been a global advocate for inclusive mineral development, advising governments across the Americas, Africa, and Asia on respectful engagement between industry and Indigenous communities.

Recently retired from his executive role with a junior exploration/development company, he continues to serve as a director and advisor for several publicly listed and private companies. Glenn continues to bridge the gap between resource development and community prosperity. Through Glenn’s advocacy over his career, he has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the PDAC’s Skookum Jim Award in 2023.

Beyond his professional leadership, he is a dedicated volunteer for numerous charities and an avid backcountry enthusiast, participating in ultra-long-distance paddle races and Arctic ski expeditions.

Dr. Patricia Pickard, Honorary Doctorate of Laws

Dr. Patricia Pickard is a pioneering figure in women’s athletics and has been a cornerstone of the Laurentian University community for over 55 years. Hired in 1967, she was the first person specifically tasked with launching the university’s women’s intercollegiate athletic program, founding the inaugural basketball, field hockey, and volleyball teams.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Pickard served as President of the Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association (OWIAA) and has been a dedicated professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Her commitment to student-athlete mentorship earned her induction into the Voyageurs Hall of Fame (2014) and the Greater Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame (2017). She was also honoured with the Laurentian University Teaching Excellence Award. Now a Professor Emerita, she continues to be involved with the Alumni community, remaining a vital part of the Voyageur legacy during the university’s 65th anniversary year.

Dr. Rayudu Koka, Honorary Doctorate of Laws 

Dr. Rayudu Koka is a highly respected psychiatrist and a dedicated mental health advocate who has spent nearly four decades transforming healthcare and community services in Northern Ontario. After pursuing postgraduate medical education in Ireland and the United Kingdom, Dr. Koka immigrated to Sudbury in 1986, establishing a distinguished clinical practice as a Consultant Psychiatrist. He was instrumental in advocating for the creation of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), where he served as the Founding Chair of Psychiatry and continues to contribute as a Professor and member of the Senate.

Beyond clinical medicine, Dr. Koka has a profound legacy of public service, serving as President of the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Chair of the Greater Sudbury Police Services Board, and as a member of the Laurentian University Board of Governors. A passionate champion for multiculturalism and community harmony, he has spent over 35 years supporting the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association and currently serves as President of the India-Canada Association of Sudbury. His extensive contributions to community well-being have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Order of Ontario and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.