June 2nd, 2014 – Canada’s 27th Governor-General, Michaëlle Jean, and renowned singer-songwriter and activist Bruce Cockburn are among the recipients of Honourary Doctorates at Spring Convocation ceremonies at Laurentian University this year.
Laurentian University Chancellor Steve Paikin presented the Honoris Causa (Laws) to Mme Jean at the Convocation ceremony in Barrie, May 28th. In her Convocation address, Mme Jean spoke to graduates about the value of education and the importance of close collaborations across cultures, languages and individual differences.
“The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean has been an extraordinary role model for many people throughout her career,” said Chancellor Paikin. “She has shown exceptional courage and dedication and, always, a tremendous amount of heart. We look up to her, as do so many other Canadians.”
Honourary Doctorates will also be awarded at Convocation ceremonies on the Sudbury campus, taking place from June 2nd to June 6th.
June 5th, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
- Blaine Nicholls, Doctorate of Laws: Blaine Nicholls was an early proponent and an influential force in the establishment of the Laurentian University School of Architecture. He was chair of the original Northern Ontario School of Architecture community commmittee and then served on the School of Architecture project steering committee. Former senior partner at the Sudbury architectural firm Nicholls Yallowega Bélanger Architects/Architectes, Mr. Nicholls has retired from practice and remains an active supporter of Laurentian Architecture. His family has also made a significant donation to create scholarships for Architecture students.
June 6th, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
- Masha Krupp, Doctorate of Letters: Masha Krupp is President and CEO of Ottawa-based The Masha Krupp Translation Group Ltd, Canada’s largest and most successful privately-held translation management firm. Born in Sudbury and raised in nearby Markstay, Ms. Krupp earned a Bachelor’s degree in French and Russian from Laurentian University and went on to found a thriving company that now employs close to 100 full-time salaried staff and 85 associate contractors. She is a champion of the Franco-Ontarian community and an important role model for female entrepreneurs, devoting her time to mentoring the next generation of business leaders.
June 6th, 2014, at 2:30 p.m.
- Bruce Cockburn, Doctorate of Letters: Winner of a Governor-General’s Performing Arts Award and 13 Juno Awards, Bruce Cockburn has released more than 30 albums over a career spanning four decades. As a folk-rock singer-songwriter, he has performed in venues around the world and continues to tour widely, while his songs have been covered by many artists, including Judy Collins, Jimmy Buffet, K. D. Lang, Chet Atkins, Maria Muldaur and Jerry Garcia. Mr. Cockburn is also renowned as a humanitarian and activist. He has served as an international representative of aid agency OXFAM and has been deeply involved with the global campaign to ban landmines, carrying out advocacy work in countries such as Mozambique and Cambodia. In 2002, Mr. Cockburn was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame for his powerful lyrics and his immense contribution to Canadian music. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
“Each of our Honourary Doctorate recipients this year is an outstanding achiever, and each has contributed so much, in their respective spheres,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux. “We are are proud to call them members of our university community.”