Survivors, groundbreaking scientists, designers, scholars, and defenders of human rights are honorary degree recipients for 2018 Spring Convocation

Each year, the University of Manitoba bestows honorary degrees upon individuals who have achieved preeminence in the advancement of culture, communications, education, administration, scholarship, leadership, philanthropy, mentorship and business.

During the 139th annual Spring Convocation of the University of Manitoba on May 24 and June 5 to 8, 2018, the following noteworthy individuals will be awarded honorary degrees:

Martin Joel Yaffe
CM, BSc, MSc(Manitoba), PhD(Toronto)

Pioneering researcher in digital mammography, Dr. Martin Joel Yaffe

Internationally recognized scientist Dr. Martin Yaffe has devoted his career to finding ways to help women with breast cancer. The diagnostic techniques he continues to pioneer save thousands of lives around the world every year. Best known as a pioneer in the development of digital mammography, he has helped to substantially improve the accuracy of breast cancer imaging.

Doctor of Science (honoris causa)

Bannatyne Campus, Thursday, May 24, 2018, 10:00 am

Cindy Blackstock
BA(UBC), MMan(McGill), MJ(Loyola), ipkDoc(BQFNU), PhD(Toronto), DCL(St. John’s College), DLitt(MSVU, TRU), LLD(Ryerson, Saskatchewan, UNBC, Waterloo, Western, Winnipeg, York)

Passionate defender of the rights of Indigenous children and families, Dr. Cindy Blackstock

Dr. Cindy Blackstock grew up in northern British Columbia and is a member of the Gitksan First Nation. Inspired by the inequity she saw firsthand as a social worker, she made it her life mission to advocate for the reform of Canada’s child welfare system to meet the needs of all. She is a passionate defender of the rights of Indigenous children and families across Canada, an author and researcher. 

Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)

Bannatyne Campus, Thursday, May 24, 2018, 3:00 pm

The Hon. Janis Guðrún Johnson
BA(Manitoba)

Former Canadian Senator, The Hon. Janis Guðrún Johnson

For nearly half a century, the Honourable Janis Johnson has had an important influence on public policy in Canada. She has also championed many vital organizations that enrich the quality and vibrancy of life in Manitoba. She was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1990, and upon retiring in 2016 was the longest-serving Conservative member.

Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)

Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC), Fort Garry Campus, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 2:30 pm

Glen Alan Jones
BA, BEd(Manitoba), MEd, PhD(Toronto)

Noted scholar on post-secondary education, Dr. Glen Alan Jones

Dr. Glen Jones is widely recognized as the foremost scholar writing about Canadian universities, as well as one of the world’s leading authorities on university governance. Collaborating with peers from around the world, he has greatly expanded our academic understanding of the factors impacting Canadian universities, from systems and governance to politics and policy.

Doctor of Letters (honoris causa)

Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC), Fort Garry Campus, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 9:30 am

Janet Rossant
CC, BA, MA(Oxford), PhD(Cambridge), LLD(Dalhousie, Mount Allison, Windsor), DSc(UBC, Cambridge)

Stem cell researcher and President and Scientific Director of the Gairdner Foundation, Dr. Janet Rossant

Through her trailblazing stem-cell research, Dr. Janet Rossant has advanced the study of children’s illnesses and laid the groundwork for future advances in regenerative medicine. Her groundbreaking work led to the discovery of the trophoblast stem cell, which helped understand how congenital abnormalities in the heart, blood vessels and placenta can occur.

Doctor of Science (honoris causa)

Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC), Fort Garry Campus, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 3:00 pm

Richard G. Henriquez
CM, BArch(Manitoba), MArch(MIT), LLD(SFU)

Canadian architect and outstanding urban designer, Richard G. Henriquez

Few Canadian architects have influenced contemporary urban design more than Mr. Richard Henriquez. Over the past 50 years, his imaginative approaches have shaped the architectural character of Vancouver and drawn worldwide attention through the development of Vancouverism, a distinctive form of high-density urban design that combines slim towers, lowrise buildings, parks and view corridors to create intimate, livable neighbourhoods. 

Doctor of Letters (honoris causa)

Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC), Fort Garry Campus, Thursday, June 7, 2018, 9:30 am

Elder Mary Elizabeth Courchene
BT(Brandon), BA, BEd(Manitoba)

Distinguished Indigenous educator and Residential School Survivor, Elder Mary Elizabeth Courchene

A distinguished Indigenous leader and inspirational role model in the field of public education, Elder Mary Courchene generously offers her guidance and courage on our shared journey toward truth and reconciliation. In 2008, she was among the 100 survivors invited to the House of Commons to witness the Canadian government’s historic apology for its role in Residential Schools.

Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)

Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC), Fort Garry Campus, Thursday, June 7, 2018, 3:00 pm

Arnold Frieman
OM, BA(Manitoba)

President of Advance Electronics in Winnipeg, business leader Arnold Frieman

Arnold Frieman is one of six children from an Orthodox Jewish family whose happy life was destroyed by the Holocaust. In 1962, he bought the small television repair shop that would become Advance Electronics. One of the joys of his success is his ability to give back, and he has become an esteemed benefactor of his adopted community. The many organizations he has supported range from iconic arts groups to small, grassroots causes.

Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)

Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC), Fort Garry Campus, Friday, June 8, 2018, 10:30 am

Learn more about our Honorary Degree recipients here.

Each session of Convocation will be streamed online. Follow #umanitoba2018 on Twitter and Instagram  to see more.

Chris Rutkowski