2009 Recipients

The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws

Dr. Jean Linse Pettifor Portrait

Dr. Jean Linse Pettifor

On Thursday, June 11, 2009 an Honorary Doctor of Laws was conferred on Dr. Jean Linse Pettifor in recognition of her lifelong commitment to breaking down barriers to education, her selfless mentoring of those around her, and her scholarship and compassionate leadership in professional ethics. Dr. Pettifor is a registered psychologist, a provincial, national and international mentor, and an adjunct professor with the University of Calgary. Throughout her career, Dr. Pettifor has worked tirelessly towards the elimination of barriers to education on behalf of those who need it most (due to poverty, gender, immigration status), and has ceaselessly given of herself through the mentoring of those around her. Dr. Pettifor has the reputation as the “Grandmother of Canadian Ethics” and her current work on international standards of psychological ethics, embodies Canadian values at an international level.

The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters the Honorary

Ovide William Mercredi Portrait

Ovide William Mercredi

On Friday, June 12, 2009 an Honorary Doctor of Letters was conferred on Ovide William Mercredi in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public service and lifetime commitment to the peaceful preservation and celebration of Indigenous peoples’ rights. Ovide Mercredi is celebrated as a leader, Indigenous rights advocate and peace activist. His notion of egalitarianism and fairness, as well as his sense of community obligation, led him to the position of Regional Chief in the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), and ultimately in 1991 he began the first of two terms as the National Chief of the AFN during which time he demonstrated a commitment to peaceful resolution of differences, and to the rejuvenation of traditional Indigenous teachings in contemporary settings.

The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws

Mr. Neil Reimer Portrait

Mr. Neil Reimer

On Saturday, June 13, 2009 an Honorary Doctor of Laws was conferred on Mr. Neil Reimer in recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to the betterment of the lives of working people in Alberta and indeed Canada and the world. Mr. Reimer’s efforts as a trade union organizer, trade union official, politician, and social activist have resulted in better representation and better working conditions for Alberta workers, and improved social policies for Alberta workers and seniors. Mr. Reimer is also known as a strong advocate for making post-secondary education more accessible to working people.

Updated August 09, 2024 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)