Celebrate philanthropy at MRU with the Giving Day 50/50 cash raffle. Tickets on sale until Dec. 3 at 11:59 p.m. Buy tickets.

MRU celebrating Convocation this week with honorary doctorates, expanded Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies

May 29, 2023

Mount Royal University will celebrate the time-honoured tradition of Convocation on May 30 to June 2.

Business leaders Nancy Southern and Leslie O’Donoghue; educator Don Baker; Tsuut'ina Elder Bruce Starlight, retired chief of Canada’s Defence Staff Gen. John de Chastelain and author and filmmaker Cheryl Foggo will receive degrees and address graduates and guests during separate convocation ceremonies. An honorary degree, the roots of which go back to the middle ages, is the highest symbol of recognition that Mount Royal can bestow upon an individual for outstanding achievements and community service.

There are 2,241 graduates eligible to attend this year’s ceremonies, wth 1,578 scheduled to cross the stage this week. This year’s grads include Spirit River Striped Wolf, MRU’s first Indigenous student president, who plans to work in Indigenous policy and law.

“I felt guilty that I was achieving when so many peers from my reserve high school continued to struggle and when so many young children and youth continue to die of overdoses every other week in my community,” says Striped Wolf, who recently underwent open heart surgery to correct a heart valve disease he was born with. “I think it’s why I have such a passion for pursuing Indigenous law and policy, so that I can contribute to enhancing the lives of my people”

In addition to walking the stage during the main Convocation ceremonies, Indigenous students will be the focus of Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies at the Bella Concert Hall on May 30 at 9 a.m.. The event will include celebratory messages from Elders, MRU senior leadership and Iniskim Centre staff; traditional songs and a blanket, and eagle feather or Métis sash ceremonies to honour students in completing their degree, diploma or certificate programs. Indigenous graduates have the option and are encouraged to wear traditional regalia to the ceremony in place of or in addition to the cap and gown.

  • Nancy Southern, chair and CEO of ATCO Ltd and globally recognized Canadian business leader, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Wednesday, May 31 at 10 a.m.
  • Leslie O’Donoghue, corporate leader and advocate for women in business, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Wednesday, May 31 at 2 p.m.
  • Don Baker, former president of Mount Royal University and post-secondary advocate, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m..
  • Bruce Starlight, Elder of the Tsuut'ina Nation, mentor and advisor, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thursday,  June 1 at 2 p.m..
  • Gen. John DeChastelain, former chief of Canada’s Defence Staff, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m..
  • Cheryl Foggo, author, researcher, journalist, playwright and filmmaker, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Friday, June 2 at 2 p.m.

Event: Convocation 2023
Date: May 31 to June 2
Time: See above
Location: Mount Royal University Recreation — Triple Gymnasium. 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W.
Parking: Complimentary parking is available in all lots

Read more about Mount Royal University’s honorary degree recipients.

Read more about graduating student Spirit River Striped Wolf.

For further information, to arrange interviews, or for photos and video clips, please contact:

Peter Glenn, Senior Media Relations Officer
403.463.6930
mediarelations@mtroyal.ca