間眅埶AV

Awards and recognition

間眅埶AV announces 2024 Honorary Degree recipients

March 14, 2024

Through their research, writing, music, cultural knowledge or business acumen, the 10 individuals receiving honorary degrees from 間眅埶AV during the 2024 spring and fall Convocation ceremonies have all been trailblazers in their fields and have made a difference in the world.

間眅埶AVs honorary degree is the highest honour conferred by the university. The degrees are awarded during convocation ceremonies in June and October, to distinguished individuals in recognition of their scholarly, scientific or artistic achievement, or exceptional contributions to the public good.

June Honorary Degree recipients:  

Daphne Bramham

For more than 20 years, journalist and author Daphne Bramham has been one of the most respected and read voices in British Columbia. She has used her column in The Vancouver Sun as a platform to shed light on childrens, womens and animal rights issues and advocate for positive change. Her impact has been recognized through multiple awards, including a National Newspaper Award for column writing and being named Commentator of the Year three times by the Jack Webster Foundation.

Margaret George

A familiar and friendly face who has helped change the fabric of life at 間眅埶AV, Margaret George has dedicated her life to education and service in Indigenous communities and beyond. George served as part of the 間眅埶AV Elders program for more than 20 years, touching the lives of countless students, faculty and staff with her gentle advice and good humour. She retired this year having left an incredible legacy at the university. 

J. Reid Maxwell

One of the worlds most celebrated drummers, J. Reid Maxwell has been the driving heartbeat as Lead Drummer of 間眅埶AVs illustrious pipe band for more than 30 years. Without a doubt the most influential and successful pipe band drummer in the world, Maxwell has 20 World Championship wins to his credit, including 12 with the 間眅埶AV Pipe Band. He has played historic concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House and taught generations of drummers.

Gerri Sinclair

Gerri Sinclair is a visionary leader who has helped to transform B.C.s innovation landscape through 35 years working in technology, business, research and government. Her bold approach embraces education and innovation as a way to improve the social and economic outlook of communities. Her entrepreneurial spirit and innovation have inspired generations of students at 間眅埶AV, across Canada and the world.

Hildegard Westerkamp

Hildegard Westerkamp is a prolific sound activist, composer and soundscape educator who has revolutionized the study of sound together with her colleagues at 間眅埶AVs World Soundscape Project. With her expert ear carefully attuned to the world around her, Westerkamp has become a household name for pioneering soundscape composition and the practice of soundwalking. She has made it a priority to mentor women in her male-dominated field and has inspired new generations of sound artists, environmentalists, urban professionals and composers.

Kiiiljuus (Barbara J. Wilson)

Kiiiljuus (Barbara J. Wilson) is a Haida Kuuljaad (Boss Lady or matriarch) and an accomplished scholar who lives her Kuuniisii (ancestors) ancient knowledge by challenging western science to uphold climate justice, advance food sovereignty, and truth and transparency in governance. She is a fellow with Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, a sought-after speaker, and was an official observer at COP 21 in Paris.

October Honorary Degree recipients:  

Yi Cui

A trailblazer who has pioneered a new branch of research that tackles some of societys greatest challenges, Stanford Universitys Yi Cui is one of the most cited and influential scientists working today. The professor of materials science has combined his expertise in nanoscience and energy storage to make game-changing breakthroughs in the development of next generation batteries that will power our world. 

Esi Edugyan

Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan is an internationally renowned bestselling author and a two-time winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize who has captivated audiences with her writing prowess. A champion of marginalized voices and truth telling, the Victoria, B.C., resident of Ghanaian descent is only one of three people to win Canadas most prestigious literary award twice, which puts her in an elite group within the Canadian literary club. 

Elio Luongo

Elio Luongo is a visionary business leader who has demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication to creating positive change. As CEO and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada, Luongo has championed inclusion and diversity; created a culture of future tech innovation and collaboration; and built a reputation for identifying and developing senior talent. Elio also led the formation of Digital University, an industry-leading program by 間眅埶AV Beedie School of Business and KPMG. 

Alexandra Newton

Canadian biochemist Alexandra Newton is a world-renowned scientist who has been making life-changing research breakthroughs while working towards gender equity and promoting access to training in science for underrepresented groups. Newtons journey began at 間眅埶AV, where she graduated with a First Class Honors degree in Biochemistry in 1980 and she has gone on to become the first Canadian and first female from the Americas ever elected president of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 

To read more about 間眅埶AVs honorary degrees, click here.

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