Thirteen remarkable individuals will receive honorary degrees this year from the University of British Columbia.
Among this year's recipients are Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, human rights advocate Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, science-fiction writer William Gibson, founding Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Ry Moran, and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UBC Okanagan and UBC Interim President Dr. Deborah Buszard.
"This year's honorary degree recipients are remarkable examples of how passion, commitment and hard work can inspire people, ideas and actions for a better world," says UBC President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon. "I look forward to welcoming these very special individuals to UBC and to celebrating their achievements and spirit of service at graduation."
UBC grants honorary degrees the highest honours conferred by the university to deserving individuals who have made substantial contributions to society. Honorary degrees are conferred honoris causa, meaning "for the sake of honour," and are awarded as one of three types: Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Letters, and Doctor of Science.
"While a university's primary role is to teach our students and conduct research, we also hope our university helps to inspire people just as we have been inspired by this year's honorary degree winners," says UBC Okanagan Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lesley Cormack. "It will be wonderful for our students to hear directly from our honorary degree recipients."
Seven honorary degrees will be conferred by UBC Vancouver while three will be conferred by UBC Okanagan during next month's spring graduation ceremonies. Another two honorary degrees will be conferred this November at UBC Vancouver's fall graduation ceremonies.
Here is the full list of honorary degree recipients for 2024.
