A respected energy industry leader and benefactor of the University of Alberta will receive an honorary degree from the university during fall convocation ceremonies this November.
“The honorary degree is our highest honour in recognition of individuals who make extraordinary contributions to research, innovation, society and the world,” explains U of A chancellor Nizar Jaffer Somji. “Hal Kvisle is just such an individual. His contributions to the Canadian economy, the environment and post-secondary education are inspiring examples of the profound impact that can result when vision, passion and leadership come together.”
Honorary degree recipient: Hal Kvisle
As one of Canada’s most respected industry leaders, U of A alumnus Harold “Hal” Kvisle has profoundly shaped Alberta’s economy and Canada’s energy landscape.
Born in Innisfail, Alta., Hal earned his bachelor of science in civil engineering from the U of A in 1975, and his MBA from the University of Calgary in 1982. As the former CEO of TransCanada Corporation and Talisman Energy, and board chair of ARC Resources, Hal played a leadership role in the planning and execution of major energy projects including the Keystone pipeline, the Montney shale play and the Bruce nuclear power facility. During his time at TransCanada, he was recognized as Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year in 2008.
His impact extends to environmental stewardship, notably as national chair of the Nature Conservancy of Canada and co-chair of its Landmark Campaign, helping to protect wildlife corridors across the country.
A passionate champion of education, Hal served as board chair of Mount Royal University from 2002 to 2007. His deep connections to the U of A include supporting major university capital campaigns, creating student scholarships, serving on the Dean of Engineering’s Advisory Board and, most recently, endowing a $3-million professorship in project management. Hal is particularly proud that his father, his sisters and his three children are all graduates of the University of Alberta.
He received the U of A’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005 and the Canadian Business Leader Award in 2009. He was named a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020 and a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2021.
Hal Kvisle will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree Nov. 25 at 3 p.m.
Convocation speakers
Along with Kvisle, two other speakers will inspire U of A graduands with words of wisdom during convocation ceremonies.
Amanda Rummery is a former U of A Pandas track star, Paralympic competitor and Canadian record holder in the 100, 200 and 400 metre sprints. After eight years of competing internationally for Canada, she now focuses on teaching physical education to youth, raising awareness of parasport and inspiring people with disabilities to lead healthy, active lives. She will speak at the afternoon ceremony on Nov. 24.
Dr. Carl Amrhein is director and board chair of the European-Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research. He is a former provost and vice-president (academic) of the U of A and Aga Khan University, professor emeritus in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the U of A and professor emeritus in the Department of Arts and Sciences at Aga Khan University. He will speak at the morning ceremony on Nov. 25.