Fall convocation is the perfect arena to celebrate excellence and highlight the success of graduates in their field of study. Some 1,200 students will receive their diploma on November 2 at the National Arts Centre during a ceremony which will also feature two great Canadians:
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada and the Right Honourable Herb Gray, Canadian chair of the International Joint Commission will both receive an honourary doctorate from the University of Ottawa.
By conferring such an honour to Adrienne Clarkson, the University wishes to recognize her brilliant career as a communicator and journalist as well as her continued support of arts and culture.
Her outstanding achievements have brought her to Canada’s highest office and upon entering Rideau Hall, Adrienne Clarkson brought with her the values she has always defended. She takes every opportunity to promote the national identity and to foster a greater appreciation of the cultural diversity and richness of Canada. Eager to advance Canada as a “unique project”, she has set forth on a mission to help raise the awareness and appreciation of Canadians for the complex and pacifist nature of their country.
The University will also recognize Herb Gray’s exceptional contribution to political life and a career entirely devoted to serving Canada’s population. First elected to Parliament in 1962, he was reelected 12 times in subsequent federal elections, which constitutes a record both in terms of number of victories and length of service: 39 years, six months and 26 days as Liberal MP for Windsor-West.
In goverment, Herb Gray held ten different cabinet portfolios under three prime ministers. Having served as Governement Leader, Solicitor General and President of Treasury Board,he was also the first federal MP to occupy full-time the position of Deputy Prime Minister.
Citation for Adrienne Clarkson
