On June 14, OCAD University graduates will hear from remarkable individuals who have distinguished themselves across several fields - from the arts to architecture to philanthropy.
Photo: Top row (left to right) Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller; Michael Massie. Bottom row: (left to right) Andrew Pringle; Siamak Hariri.
Among this year's five honorary doctorate recipients are award-winning architect Siamak Hariri who delivers transformational and inclusive designs, and mixed-media artist Michael Massie, CM, RCA, whose distinguished art and design-based career reflects his mixed Inuit, Métis and Scottish heritage.
"We are excited to honour these inspiring individuals who have left indelible marks in their respective fields, making positive change possible," says OCAD U's President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano. "They all share the same exceptional passion and commitment to driving meaningful, long-lasting impact that we encourage at OCAD U."
The honorands will address graduands during the University's spring Convocation Ceremonies being held at Roy Thomson Hall. More than 1,000 students are graduating this year.
Meet the 2024 honorary doctorate recipients:
- Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller are internationally renowned for their ground-breaking collaborative media works, audio walks and installations. They represented Canada at the 49th Venice Biennale in 2001 and were recognized with the La Biennale di Venezia International Prize and the Benesse Prize for their installation, "The Paradise Institute." No other Canadian artist has received this honour. In 2023, they opened a large museum space, the Cardiff Miller Art Warehouse in Enderby, British Columbia, to showcase several of their large immersive installations.
- Siamak Hariri is the recipient of more than 100 architectural awards, including five Governor General Medals in Architecture. The celebrated architect has delivered transformative architectural designs, which includes the Baha'i Temple of South America in Santiago, Chile; the Tom Patterson Theatre at the Stratford Festival; Casey House and the BARLO MS Centre in Toronto; redesigns at the Art Gallery of Ontario and Royal Ontario Museum, including the current OpenROM project to reimagine the ground floor; and the offices of McKinsey & Company, the youngest building to be recognized with City of Toronto Heritage designation.
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Andrew Pringle, CM, is being recognized for his significant contributions to the arts and culture, community wellness and education sectors. He currently chairs the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR). He is a member of the boards of the Shaw Festival Foundation, Fidelity Canada LTD, Atlantic Salmon Federation and Mount Sinai Health Foundation. Formerly Managing Director, Head of Global Fixed Income at RBC Capital Markets from 1972 to 2002, Pringle and his two business partners founded RPIA in 2009, a fixed income asset management firm. RPIA has now grown to 100 employees, managing $10 billion for individuals, families, institutions and investment advisors across Canada.
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Michael Massie, CM, RCA, is a Newfoundland-based multi-media artist who channels his diverse Inuit, Métis, and Scottish heritage into his creations. An exceptional silversmith, Massie has garnered international acclaim for his sculpture, seamlessly blending stone, wood and metal. His pieces draw inspiration from both his Indigenous and European roots; each embodies a rich narrative, intertwining personal, communal, and global themes.
