Honorary Degrees
At most Convocation ceremonies, the University confers an Honorary Degree on an individual, who then gives an address. The tradition of granting honorary degrees at the University of Alberta dates back to our first Convocation, in 1908.
Honorary degrees are generally awarded for one of three reasons: to recognize extraordinary intellectual or artistic achievement; to honor service to the university and to the wider society; and to recognize men and women who might serve as examples to the institution's student body. An honorary degree, it is said, honours both the grantee and the spirit of the institution.
Conferred honoris causa, "for the sake of honor," honorary degrees are awarded as one of three types:
- Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
- Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
- Doctor of Science, honoris causa
The PhD is granted only as an earned degree.
Selection process
Honorary Degree recipients are chosen by the University Senate.
Honorary Degrees
2024 Spring Honorary Degree Recipients and Convocation Speakers
Mr. Richard Smith
June 2, 2:30 p.m.
Dr. Connie Varnhagen
June 12, 3 p.m.
Dr. Charles Lee
June 13, 10 a.m.
Convocation Speaker: Dr. Charles Lee
June 13, 3 p.m.
Dr. D. Lorne Tyrrell
June 14, 3 p.m.
Dr. Robert Foster
June 17, 3 p.m.
Professor Catherine Bell
June 18, 10 a.m.
Convocation Speaker: Dr. Catherine Bell
June 18, 3 p.m.
Convocation Speaker: Apooyak'ii / Dr. Tiffany Prete
June 19, 10 a.m.
Convocation Speaker: Apooyak'ii / Dr. Tiffany Prete
June 19, 3 p.m.
Dr. Donna Strickland
June 20, 10 a.m.
Convocation Speaker: Dr. Donna Strickland
June 20, 3 p.m.
Ms. Reneltta Arluk
June 21, 10 a.m.
Chancellor’s Installation: Chancellor-Elect Mr. Nizar J. Somji
June 21, 3 p.m.
Past recipients
The complete listing of honorary degrees granted is published in the University Calendar and on the Senate website.