Photos: Canada’s ambassador to the US, the Honourable Gary Doer and Quirks & Quarks host, Bob McDonald and founding member of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Josie Hill.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Honourable Gary Doer, former Premier of Manitoba and Canada’s Ambassador to the United States will be given an Honorary Doctor of Laws at The University of Winnipeg’s upcoming Convocation, on Friday, June 11, 2010 at 9:30 am. Josie Hill, Executive Director of Winnipeg’s Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 9:30 am and popular CBC radio host of Quirks & Quarks, Bob McDonald will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 2:30 pm.
“These three individuals present an extraordinary range of talent,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor. “In addition to his decades of public service, Gary Doer has demonstrated a personal commitment to the unique role that UWinnipeg is playing in downtown revitalization and outreach to under-represented groups of students, including refugees and new immigrants, inner-city and Aboriginal youth. Josie Hill pioneered culturally sensitive community-based work in Winnipeg’s inner -city, assisting countless families. And Bob McDonald, with his infectious grin, makes everything from black holes to killer whales engaging. We are honoured to welcome Gary Doer, Josie Hill and Bob McDonald to the University of Winnipeg community.”
GARY DOER
Gary Doer is an ardent promoter of Manitoba and an unwavering supporter of The University of Winnipeg. Doer has spent his career in public service as union leader, head of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba, Member of the Legislature, Premier and now, Ambassador of Canada to the United States. Sworn in as Manitoba’s Premier in 1999, Doer’s government blended the traditional NDP emphasis on social programs with an economic policy of balanced budgets and paying down debt.
Under Premier Doer, the Province of Manitoba helped make UWinnipeg’s Science Complex and Richardson College for the Environment a reality with a donation of $25 million to the University’s A World of Opportunity Capital Campaign and $7 million in additional support for laboratories, including a vivarium and greenhouse facilities to be constructed in the new complex. Premier Doer was also instrumental in providing funding for the repair of historic Wesley Hall and the revitalization of Spence Street for campus and community use. A commitment to UWinnipeg runs in the Doer family. Both of Doer’s daughters currently attend classes on the UWinnipeg campus – one at the Collegiate and the other at The University of Winnipeg.
JOSIE HILL
For more than a quarter century, Josie Hill has made an enormous contribution to Winnipeg’s inner-city. Credited as a champion of a distinctively Aboriginal way of doing community-based work, she has proven that cultural sensitivity is essential in community work. Hill has built an exceptional record in the areas of Indigenous leadership, advocacy and community development.
She is one of the founding members of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre (Ma Mawi), Canada’s first major urban Aboriginal child and family support program. Hill has patented the concept of a community taking charge of their challenges and creating opportunities. Hill empowers those who experience barriers in our society by opening doors and welcomes their participation. Hill is incisive on issues arising in inner-city neighbourhoods and is a collaborative problem solver. She is a mentor that has earned numerous awards recognizing her commitment to her people, to community and our city.
BOB McDONALD
The host of CBC’s Quirks & Quarks, Bob McDonald is one of Canada’s best-known science journalists and author. His contribution to science literacy and his appreciation for science fosters public engagement. He has played a prominent role in promoting science and technology in Canada. McDonald has made a career of making science accessible to Canadians of all ages by making science fun and fascinating. He presents a wide range of topics and scientific disciplines with a genuine enthusiasm. He generates awareness and curiosity while providing accurate information.
McDonald is a regular science commentator on CBC News Network, and science correspondent for CBC TV’s The National. He has earned several prestigious awards in recognition of his ongoing promotion of science including the 2001 Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion – 2002 Sandford Fleming Medal, The Royal Canadian Institute and the 2005 McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science, Royal Society of Canada.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
