On May 13 and 14, 2018, more than 800 graduates from Acadia University’s four Faculties, Arts, Pure and Applied Science, Professional Studies, and Theology, will receive their undergraduate and graduate diplomas, joining Acadia’s more than 30,000 Acadia alumni worldwide. In addition, Acadia will confer six Honorary Degrees on individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service, education, and professional sports. This year’s Honorees are:

• The Right Honorable Kim Campbell – Doctor of Civil Laws
  • Former Prime Minister, federal Cabinet Minister and Canadian diplomat.
• The Reverend Dr. David Watt – Doctor of Divinity
  • Long-serving Baptist minister and retired member of the Acadia Divinity College.
• Dr. Robert (Bob) Fournier – Doctor of Science
  • Retired Professor of Oceanography and former Associate Vice-President for Research at Dalhousie University, and renowned public commentator of science and research.
• Elder Albert Marshall – Doctor of Humanities
  • Mi’kmaq elder in the community of Eskasoni and acknowledged voice of the Mi’kmaw on environmental issues affecting land, forests, and fisheries.
• The Honorable Mayann Francis – Doctor of Civil Laws
  • Former Lieutenant Governor and former Ombudsman of Nova Scotia, and strong advocate of equality, inclusiveness, and human rights.
• Lorie Kane – Doctor of Humanities
  • One of Canada’s most admired athletes, former professional golfer with four LPGA Tour victories and passionate humanitarian.

Acadia’s 2018 Convocation will be the final time outgoing Chancellor Dr. Libby Burnham (’60) presides over the University’s degree-granting ceremonies and greets students on stage. Her term will end when incoming Chancellor Dr. Bruce Galloway is installed during Monday afternoon’s Convocation for graduates of the Faculty of Professional Studies.

"I am truly looking forward to my first Convocation at Acadia,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts. “In my first year at Acadia, I have come to know many of our graduating students and Convocation ceremonies truly are an opportunity to celebrate hard work and success. At Acadia, we know that the efforts expended by our students to reach this point are really just the foundation for so much more that they will go on to achieve during their lifetime. Our Honorary Degree recipients exemplify in every way how each of us can use our background and experience to make significant and meaningful contributions to our communities, our country, and to the world.

“Also, I want to sincerely thank Dr. Libby Burnham as she concludes her term as our Chancellor,” said Ricketts. “She is a remarkable and relentless champion for Acadia who, alongside Chancellor Emeritus Arthur Irving, helps set the standard for ongoing alumni participation and support. At the same time, I would like to welcome Dr. Bruce Galloway as he begins his term as Chancellor, bringing his enthusiasm and passion for Acadia to this important role on our campus.”

Convocation weekend schedule

Baccalaureate Service
Sunday, May 13, 2018 - 10:30 a.m.

Faculty of Theology and Faculty of Arts
Sunday, May 13, 2018 - 3 p.m.

Honorary Degrees:
Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell (speaker)
Rev. Dr. David Watt

Faculty of Pure and Applied Science
Monday, May 14, 2018 - 10 a.m.

Honorary Degrees:
Dr. Robert Fournier (speaker)
Elder Albert Marshall 

Faculty of Professional Studies
Monday, May 14, 2018 - 2:30 p.m.

Honorary Degrees:
Lorie Kane (speaker)
Hon. Mayann Francis

To learn more about the Convocation program or to watch a live-streaming webcast of each Convocation ceremony, visit the Convocation website.

To see complete biographies on this year's Honorary Degree recipients, please click here.

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