Inspiring leaders will receive honorary degrees from University of Waterloo

Convocation is a time for celebration, reflection, and inspiration. It’s a time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of students and to celebrate accomplishments. It’s a time to reflect on unforgettable moments that shaped growth and direction throughout university life. And it’s a time to be inspired to action, to make a positive impact beyond the campus of the University of Waterloo.

We’re proud of Waterloo talent — our students, professors, and alumni who are making a difference around the world. And we also want to recognize those thought leaders and influencers who are advancing society across a spectrum of disciplines. These are leaders our graduates can look to for inspiration as they prepare themselves for the future.

“Every year, we confer honorary degrees on incredible individuals who have accomplished great things,” says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “We know our graduates will take inspiration from these individuals as they set out on their own paths of discovery.”

This year, Waterloo will be recognizing 18 outstanding individuals with honorary degrees and distinctions. Congratulations to all recipients. Here’s a little about a few of them:

Tony Chan

Tony Chan is an esteemed mathematician and thought leader in computational models and algorithms for image processing. His academic and professional achievements include a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University; a Research Fellowship at Caltech; an honorary doctorate from the University of Strathclyde; several fellowships on engineering, math, and science associations; a 2020 SIAM Prize for Distinguished Service to the Profession; he was the president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and is currently the president of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Valerie Davidson

As a faculty member of the University of Guelph’s School of Engineering, Valerie Davidson developed ground-breaking engineering models for complex food processing systems to improve quality and safety. During this time, she created innovative courses in bioprocess and food engineering which earned her the Provost’s Award for Innovation in teaching. Davidson consulted for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, is a recipient of the Ontario Professional Engineers’ Award for Citizenship, and is a champion of diversity in her profession, serving as NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering, and is the founder of the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering.

Douglas Fregin

Douglas Fregin has been spearheading technical innovations for more than 35 years. Co-founding Research In Motion (RIM) in 1984 and Quantum Valley Investments in 2013, he has been instrumental in advancing how we live and work every day. From launching the first smartphone to putting the Region of Waterloo at the forefront of the quantum technologies industry, to accelerating study and research in nanotechnology by donating millions to University of Waterloo, his contributions continue to push the boundaries of technology. Fregin was appointed to the Order of Canada and has received several awards, including a Technical Emmy Award with Kodak and the National Film Board of Canada, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Ann and John Heath

Doctors Ann and John Heath received their medical degrees at McGill University and completed postgraduate medical training in Halifax, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. They established a practice in Campbell River B.C. and conducted many clinical research studies there. In 1985, they founded Yellow Island Aquaculture on Quadra Island B.C., which is a centre for aquaculture research that has made incredible contributions to science. Their research has been recognized with a NSERC Synergy Award and publications include contributions to Nature and Science magazines.

John Helliwell

Acclaimed for his work in macro-economic modelling, energy economics and policy, and global trade flows, John Helliwell has received honours that include Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Distinguished Fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, and Officer of the Order of Canada. His contributions to the annual World Happiness Report, a United Nations publication that ranks countries according to national well-being, have been influential in creating government policies that strive toward sustainable development and look beyond the gross national product and per capita income.

Carol Leaman

Carol Leaman is an entrepreneur, thought leader, and disruptor in the corporate learning space. She has been the CEO of successful businesses such as PostRank Inc., RSS Solutions, and Fakespace Systems, and has overseen the acquisitions of numerous companies. In 2013, she received the prestigious designation of Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) and is currently the CEO of Axonify. Leaman continues to contribute to the high-tech industry by serving as an advisor on several boards, and her articles appear in many leading learning, business and technology publications. Leaman is also the recipient of the Sarah Kirke Award, the Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Intrepid Award, and the Profit500 Award for Canada’s Leading Female Entrepreneur.

Dianne Saxe

For more than 45 years, Dianne Saxe has been one of Canada’s leading environmental lawyers. She’s also an influential author, committed to keeping the public informed of their environmental rights and duties, and the importance of addressing climate challenges. Saxe served as the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, where she provided extensive analysis of the government’s commitments to protecting the environment and engaged people in conversations about Ontario’s sustainable future.