While Laurentian University has confirmed it won’t be handing out any honourary doctorates at its upcoming spring convocation, the university’s interim president said she hopes the situation changes by the time LU’s fall convocation comes around.
The university is also exploring installing a new chancellor following the resignation of former Laurentian chancellor Steve Paikin in 2021 in the wake of LU's restructuring under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (or CCAA).
Laurentian interim president Sheila Embleton addressed these issues during the May 16 meeting of Laurentian’s senate.
“It’s never too early to start to think about October convocation, and I have some hope that by then we can resume bestowing some honorary doctorates, and maybe also install a new chancellor,” she said, in her written report.
No honourary doctorates have been conferred by Laurentian since 2020, when global mine reclamation expert Margarete Kalin-Seidenfaden received the honour.
Earlier this month, Embleton said in a written statement to Sudbury.com that the university is currently looking at how it confers honourary degrees.
"We are currently reviewing the process through which honorary doctorates are awarded, ensuring a joint nomination by the board and senate,” said Laurentian interim president Sheila Embleton, in the statement.
“We will also be reviewing past nominations that were held on file, and are preparing to put out a call for new nominations. Laurentian University has an enviable history of impactful honorary degree recipients. It is a strong tradition that we hope to renew in the near future."
She said she would have more to say on the matter at the June meeting of Laurentian’s senate, which is to take place June 20.
“There will at some point be a call for suggestions or nominations for honorary degrees and position of chancellor,” Embleton said.
Laurentian’s spring 2023 convocation ceremonies run from May 30 through until June 2. A full listing of Laurentian convocation ceremonies is available online here.
Heidi Ulrichsen is Sudbury.com’s associate content editor. She also covers education and the arts scene.