Lloyd Axworthy, humanitarian and former minister of foreign affairs, will be among the recipients of honorary doctorates when more than 2,200 students receive degrees at the University of Waterloo convocation ceremonies taking place today and Saturday.
As minister of foreign affairs, Axworthy led the development of the Ottawa Treaty, banning the use of anti-personnel land mines. For his work in this area, he was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters today at 2:30 p.m., and address convocation. In addition, St. Paul's University College will install him as its first chancellor later today.
These ceremonies represent Prem Watsa's final convocation as chancellor of Waterloo.
Other highlights of Waterloo's 109th convocation ceremonies include:
Friday, October 24, 10 a.m.
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science
- Professor Alain Aspect will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree and address convocation. A senior scientist at Institut d'Optique and a professor at Ecole Polytechnique in France, he is honoured for his contributions to our understanding of quantum mechanics. He is a knight in the Legion of Honour and an officer of the National Order of Merit in France.
- Keith Brian Delaney (Science) will receive an award for exceptional teaching by a student.
Friday, October 24, 2:30 p.m.
Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Mathematics
- Professor Frank Tompa (Mathematics) will become distinguished professor emeritus.
- Stephen Brown, former associate dean of external relations, will be named an honorary member of the University.
- Ahmad Abdi and Emily Irene Kozlowski (both Mathematics) will receive alumni gold medals for academic achievement.
Saturday, October 25, 10:00 a.m.
Faculty of Arts
- Elizabeth Bloomfield will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws and address convocation. She is a social innovator and community builder committed to enabling people with developmental disabilities through programs including Autism Ontario, Guelph Services for the Autistic and Ontario Adult Autism Support Network.
- Susan Sykes, longtime staff member and former director of the Office of Research Ethics will be named an honorary member of the University.
- Dubravka Gavric will receive an alumni gold medal for academic achievement.
- Nathaniel Barr will receive an award for exceptional teaching by a student.
Saturday, October 25, 2:30 p.m.
Faculty of Engineering
- Professor Adel Sedra (Engineering) will become distinguished professor emeritus.
All ceremonies take place in the Physical Activities Complex.
For more information on Waterloo's 109th convocation, please visit the convocation website.
