Please note this media release replaces previously issued media release No. 64. Bruce Templeton replaces James Templeton as one of the honorary degree recipients. 

An academic highlight, Memorial University’s spring convocation ceremonies will see more than 3,000 degrees, including more than 900 graduate degrees, conferred. 

Convocation takes place at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre on May 15 and at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre from May 27–30. 

Honorary degree recipients 

Memorial will also recognize seven people for their leadership in cultural, academic and social spheres with the awarding of honorary degrees. 

Honorary degrees will be awarded to medal-winning Canadian Paralympic Games swimmer and para sport ambassador Katarina Roxon; French culture, language and education advocate Robert Cormier; entrepreneur and philanthropist Brendan Paddick; educational leader and volunteer Leslie O’Reilly; scholar, academic and cultural champion Dr. Noreen Golfman; journalist and historian James Furlong; and humanitarian and international Santa Claus Hall of Famer Bruce Templeton. 

Honorary degree recipients are chosen from nominations submitted by the public to the Senate, the university’s academic governing body, after a careful examination of the grounds for their nomination. The honorary doctorate degree is designed to recognize extraordinary contributions to society or the university or exceptional intellectual or artistic achievement. 

For further information about convocation, please visit the convocation website. Ceremonies will be broadcast live on www.mun.ca during each session of convocation. The recorded broadcasts will be archived on Memorial’s convocation website for future viewing. 

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For more information, please contact Chad Pelley, media relations manager for Memorial University, at chad.pelley@mun.ca or 709-853-4281.