Thirteen outstanding individuals will enlighten and encourage the University of Alberta's graduating class of 2015 as they receive honorary degrees during spring convocation ceremonies this June. The newest honourees are as diverse as they are inspiring, hailing from the worlds of art and commerce, academia and media, science and medicine, and the political and military arenas.
"As our community's highest honour, a University of Alberta honorary degree recognizes a unique combination of talent, dedication and leadership," said U of A Chancellor Ralph Young. "It will be a privilege to celebrate these inspiring individuals along with the graduating class of 2015."
Bruce Saville has made enduring contributions to community building and philanthropy through sport, education and community service. He left his mark on the business world as the founder of Saville Systems, a software company that employed 1,700 people and developed and marketed billing solutions to the telecommunication industry world-wide before it was sold in the late-90's. A member of the Alberta Business Hall of Fame and president of Saville Interest Group, he is a former board member of the U of A, NAIT, Economic Development Edmonton and the Telus World of Science. He served 11 years as chair of the Inner City Agencies Foundation and also as a member of the United Way Campaign cabinet, director of the Stollery Children's Hospital and member of the Edmonton Homeless Commission. A prominent advocate for professional and community sport, he was a member of the Edmonton Investors Group that kept the Oilers in Edmonton in the wake of the team's financial peril during the mid-90's. He also served nine years as a director of the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club and as a member of the board of the Edmonton 2001 World Championships in Athletics. Bruce Saville will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree June 11 at 10 a.m
Saville's connect with the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation stems from his generous support for community and university sport at the University of Alberta's South Campus, with the naming of the Saville Community Sports Centre.
The sports complex boasts nine NBA-sized basketball courts, nine volleyball courts, 10 curling rinks, a 2,043 square-metre gymnastics centre, 10 tennis courts and a top-notch fitness centre. And it's all thanks to a community commitment by three sports organizations - the Edmonton Grads Basketball Association, the Edmonton Volleyball Association and Ortona Gymnastics - along with the U of A.