Mount Royal University announces 2024 honorary doctors of laws
Mount Royal University's convocation is set to take place June 12 to June 14. A time for celebrating graduating students, convocation ceremonies date back centuries and are steeped in tradition and protocol: from the gowns, mortarboards, sashes and other regalia worn by participants to the music played during the conferral of degrees. Honorary degrees date back to the middle ages and are often accompanies by the Latin words "honoris causa" meaning "for honorific reasons." They are the highest honour Mount Royal University is able to bestow.
"MRU’s Honorary Doctors of Laws are, first and foremost, leaders and builders who have given back to their communities. The recipients have achieved great things in their fields and it is our honour to recognize their outstanding service, extraordinary standard of excellence in their work and contributions towards the betterment of society,” says MRU acting president Dr. Chad London, PhD.
"We are proud to welcome these new honorary degree recipients to Mount Royal and we look forward to the words of wisdom they will impart upon our graduating classes during our convocation ceremonies."
Here are this year’s Honory Doctors of Laws in the order of when they will receive their degrees:
Gord Gillies is recognized for his work in the media, most notably as a news anchor at Global News Calgary and as a host on CHQR (QR77) News-Talk-Radio. Gillies is known at Mount Royal University for additional reasons. His wife, Kandi, worked in MRU’s Wellness Services for many years, and his son, Liam, attended the University until his sudden passing in 2020. An advocate for compassion for people who struggle with addictions and depression, Gillies also encourages those who are suffering from deep grief — especially men — to seek counselling.
Eleanor Chiu, the chief financial officer of Trico Group, is a fervent advocate for community-building and social entrepreneurship, having made significant, lasting impacts within her community. Alongside her husband, Wayne, she has nurtured a family that upholds the values of compassion and philanthropy, raising their three children with a strong sense of community service and ethical business practices.
Wayne Chiu, founder of Trico Group, has leveraged his prominent position in the business community to champion social entrepreneurship, economic development, business innovation and lifelong, accessible learning. His unique ability to transform visionary ideas into substantial actions has resulted in significant and enduring contributions that blend professional success with societal benefits.
Charles Osuji is one of Canada’s most recognized and decorated legal entrepreneurs and, now at age 37, one of the youngest recipients of Mount Royal University’s Honorary Doctor of Laws. In less than five years, Osuji has established the largest and fastest-growing Black-owned law firm in Canada. His work as a lawyer and entrepreneur developing a firm with diversity across languages, generations and cultures, has been recognized with more than 100 national and local awards and honours.
Roy Bear Chief – Oom ka pisi (Big Coyote) is a social worker, residential school survivor, Siksika Nation elder, “Espoom tah” (helper) and former elder-in-residence at Mount Royal University who uses his own story of resilience and perseverance to help make a difference in the lives of others. In the wider community, he has consulted on matters such as social innovation, poverty reduction, age inclusion and equitable health care; he also works to promote the importance of Blackfoot language and culture.
The Honourable Ron Ghitter CM is known for his work as a lawyer, businessman, provincial politician and Canadian senator. Ghitter is also recognized for his lifelong commitment to human rights advocacy and his role in shaping Canadian human rights legislation. During his political tenure in the Alberta Legislature under the Lougheed administration, he introduced Alberta’s first human rights legislation, the Individual Rights Protection Act.
As Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor (2015-2020), the Honourable Lois Mitchell was a familiar presence at meetings and occasions in every corner of the province. She is also a champion of amateur sport, a steadfast volunteer and philanthropist, and a passionate supporter of the arts, culture, science and education. Mitchell is an entrepreneur as well; she was a senior partner at Rainmaker Global Business Development, a co-founder of the Global Business Forum and one of 12 founders of Crime Stoppers Calgary.
Read more about MRU’s honorary doctors of laws and the ceremony at which they will be honoured.
For further information, please contact:
Peter Glenn, External Relations and Issues Management
403.463.6930
mediarelations@mtroyal.ca