WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg today announced the names of four outstanding individuals will receive Honorary Degrees at the University’s 2008 Spring Convocation ceremonies. The recipients are community service leader Mohinder Singh Dhillon, inclusive child care advocate Sharon Hope Irwin, healthcare researcher / developer John Langstaff and philanthropist and community service leader James A. Richardson.
The recipients will be celebrated at Spring Convocation, which takes place Sunday, June 1. Irwin and Langstaff will receive their degrees in the morning ceremony, which goes from 10:00 am-12:30 pm. Dhillon and Richardson will receive their degrees in the afternoon ceremony, which runs from 3:00-5:30 pm.
The following is a summary of accomplishments of the Honorary Degree recipients:
Mohinder Singh Dhillon
Dhillon will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for a remarkable lifetime of community service activities. Dhillon has contributed his time and effort to more than 30 organizations during the past 40 years. His recent community service work includes serving as an advisory board for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and The University of Winnipeg’s Global College.
Sharon Hope Irwin
Irwin will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for her outstanding work in the area of inclusive child care and early intervention programs. For more than 25 years Irwin has dedicated her efforts to children with special needs. The founding director of SpeciaLink – the National Centre for Child Care Inclusion, Irwin has served on numerous commissions, working groups, task forces and committees with the purpose of disseminating successful inclusive child care practices and policies.
John Langstaff
Langstaff will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science degree for his long, meaningful career in the healthcare field. Langstaff, a 2001 Distinguished Graduate of The University of Winnipeg, is an international leader in pharmaceutical research and development. The President & CEO of Cangene Corporation, Langstaff has been influential in developing excellence in the biotechnology industry in Manitoba.
James A. Richardson
Richardson will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his lifelong commitment to philanthropy and community service. For decades Richardson has been at the forefront of community service, including efforts and contributions to diverse organizations such as the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Ducks Unlimited Canada. His insight, leadership and generosity also extend to The University of Winnipeg, where he has contributed to the University, the Collegiate and the University of Winnipeg Foundation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Shawn Coates, Director of Marketing & Communications, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7126, C: 204.230.0202, E: s.coates@uwinnipeg.ca
