Distinguished Contributors to Receive Honourary Degrees at Convocation
Convocation ceremonies will be enhanced by the presence of four exceptional individuals to be presented with Doctor of Laws degrees on May 31st. The individuals recognized are outstanding contributors to society through their voluntary work in cultural, education and health sectors.
Bonnie Patterson, President of Trent University, noted that this year's Honorary Degree recipients personify many of the values cherished by the Trent community. "The Nominations Committee has identified diverse Honorary Degree recipients who excel in community relations, volunteerism, the corporate world, the non profit sector and the arts. We are honoured to have their names associated with the university and to add them to our prestigious list of Honorary Degree recipients," said Patterson.
David Morton
Mr. David Morton, former President and CEO of The Quaker Oats Company of Canada Ltd. and resident of Peterborough, is recognized as a leader in the food industry and an active member in the life of the community. He is currently Chair of the fundraising campaign for the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Vice Chair of the Festival Of Lights Board, on the Board of Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation, a Member of the fundraising committee for Peter Gzowski's golf tournament for literacy and member of the Board of Frontier College and the Board of the Peterborough YMCA. Mr. Morton has served in volunteer capacities as Board Chair of the Five Counties Children's Centre, the Schulich School of Business Dean's Advisory Council; ABC Canada Literacy Foundation; the Board of the Electronic Commerce Council of Canada; and member of the Business Council on National Issues.Doris McCarthy
Ms. Doris McCarthy is an internationally acclaimed Canadian painter, art history teacher, author and a key figure in this country's art scene for 50 years. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, McCarthy began her education career at the Art Department at Central Tech in Toronto where she taught for 40 years.A recipient of countless awards and honours for her work, Ms. McCarthy received a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Calgary (1995), the Order of Canada (1987), the Order of Ontario (1992), the Award of Merit of the City of Scarborough (1982), Fellow of the Ontario College of Art (1990), LLD University of Calgary (1995), LLD Nipissing University (1998), William Killbourn Award, Toronto (1998), and the Artist of Honour award from the McMichael Canadian Collection. Since 1933 she has exhibited her works extensively, participated in group showings and showcased her talents in over 90 solo exhibits.
John Daniel O'Leary
Mr. John Daniel O'Leary has been a life-long advocate for the literacy movement throughout his 25 year career as an educator and as President of Frontier College. Since joining Frontier College as a teacher in a prison literacy program in 1976, Mr. O'Leary has successfully established literacy coalitions outside the educational field, with labour, business, non-profit and non-government organizations. In 1991, he was appointed President of Frontier College. Under his direction, the College launched several innovative and wide-reaching programs, including a national initiative to organize literacy programs with volunteers from every university and college campus in Canada. Mr. O'Leary is also the co-founder of several national advocacy groups for literacy including the Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournaments, ABC Canada, and the Business Task Force on Literacy.John de Pencier
Mr. John de Pencier is a retired insurance executive residing in Toronto who has distinguished himself as a governance volunteer for many Canadian institutions. He has had a long association with Trinity College School where he was Chair of the Board, and has served on the Boards of both the Toronto Symphony and the National Ballet. Mr. de Pencier is also a founding member of the Canadian Paraplegic Association and a Director of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. He served as Chair of the Council of University Board Chairs. As a parent of a Trent student he has been actively involved in fundraising at the university and in various governance roles; over $100,000 has been raised in his name for the Trent Nature Areas. Mr. de Pencier joined the Board in 1982, has served on the Nominating Committee and Investment Committee, was Board Chair for five years from 1986-1991, and continues as an Honorary member of the Board of Governors. As an original member of the university's Foundation he remains active in Trent's fundraising efforts and serves as Chair of the Foundation.A listing of other honorary degree recipients can be found on Trent's web site at: www.trentu.ca/secretariat/honorary-present-to-1967.html.
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Last updated May 1, 2002