Fomer Ontario Premier to receive honorary degree from NipU

This afternoon Officials at Nipissing University announced the six individuals who will receive 2010 honorary degrees this June.

The diverse group includes a national chief, a writer, a former principal/artist, a Fundraising Executive and a former Ontario Premier. On Friday, June 11th, Mike Harris will receive Doctor of Letters and will deliver the convocation speech during the Faculty of Arts and Science and Faculty of Applied and Professional Studies.

Nipissing University vice-president, academic and research, Errol Aspevig, says it will come as no surprise if the school hears cries of protests from the public over the award given to such a controversial individual.







Also receiving honorary degrees are National Chief Shawn Atleo, Jack Lockhart, Marsha Greenfield, the late Paul Quarrington and Jon Dellandrea.

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A diverse group of leaders will address Nipissing University's graduates during the six sessions of
convocation this June.

An honorary degree will be bestowed upon: (in order of appearance) National Chief Shawn Atleo, Jack Lockhart, Marsha Greenfield, the late Paul Quarrington, Jon Dellandrea and Mike Harris.

For graduates from the Schulich School of Education, convocation ceremonies will take place in North Bay on June 9 and the morning of June 10; on the afternoon of June 10 and June 11 graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of Applied and Professional Studies will receive their degrees.

Convocation for the regional campus in Brantford, for students enrolled concurrently in both Laurier's Bachelor of Arts and Nipissing's Bachelor of Education, will take place on June 23.

"Convocation is a very special time for our graduates and their families. It marks the end of an important phase of life, where a student has been immersed in the process of learning and discourse. On graduation, each student encounters the opportunity to turn knowledge and skills into actions as a leader and as a citizen. A degree represents several years of hard work and accomplishment, friendships made and knowledge gained. We, the faculty and staff of Nipissing
University, truly enjoy the opportunity to share that transition with our students and their friends and families. The graduation speaker plays an important role in the ceremony; their role is to show students how leadership develops, and how actions shape the world around us," said Lesley Lovett-Doust, president and vice-chancellor of Nipissing University. "Our speakers have interesting and important things to say to all of us."

Convocation Schedule:

North Bay

Wednesday, June 9, at 9:30 a.m.: National Chief Shawn Atleo will receive the honorary degree, Doctor of Education; Schulich School of Education, Primary/Junior division

Wednesday, June 9, at 2:00 p.m.: Jack Lockhart will receive the honorary degree, Doctor of Education; Schulich School of Education, Junior/Intermediate division

Thursday, June 10, at 9:30 a.m.: Marsha Greenfield will receive the honorary degree, Doctor of Education; Schulich School of Education, Intermediate/Senior division and Master of Education

Thursday, June 10, at 2:00 p.m.: Paul Quarrington, will posthumously receive the honorary degree, Doctor of Letters; Faculty of Arts and Science, and Concurrent Education

Friday, June 11, 9:30 a.m.: Jon Dellandrea will receive the honorary degree, Doctor of Letters, Faculty of Arts and Science and Faculty of Applied and Professional Schools

Friday, June 11, 2:00 p.m.: Mike Harris will receive the honorary degree, Doctor of Letters, Faculty of Arts and Science and Faculty of Applied and Professional Schools

Brantford
Wednesday, June 23, 2:30 p.m.: Schulich School of Education, Concurrent Bachelor of Education program, the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts

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Nipissing University Honorary Degree Backgrounder