2015 Recipients
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Ms. Claire Clark
On Friday, June 12, 2015, an honorary Doctor of Laws was conferred on Ms. Claire Clark in recognition of her ongoing commitment to community and her mentorship of aboriginal women and youth. Owner of Claire Clark and Associates, Ms. Clark was founder of the Aboriginal Women’s Professional Association, an organization committed to the advancement of aboriginal women and their families. She also played a central role in the development of Edmonton’s Aboriginal Business and Professional Association, serving as a founding board member and continuing to serve as Vice-President. Following her passion for developing future leaders, Ms. Clark founded a Toastmasters Club for aboriginal people. In 2011, she was featured on Global Edmonton’s Women of Vision and was nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award for her work in aboriginal employment and business.
Honorary Doctor of Laws
David Hancock, QC
On Saturday, June 13, 2015, an honorary Doctor of Laws was conferred on David Hancock, QC, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and ongoing commitment to community development. Mr. Hancock is known for his comprehensive knowledge of public policy and his passion for education and the betterment of Alberta. A lawyer, he left his corporate commercial practice in 1997 to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and spent his entire political career in cabinet, holding a number of key posts including Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Justice, Minister of Advanced Education, Minister of Health and Wellness, Minister of Education, Minister of Human Services, and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education. He had served as Government House Leader for 16 years when he was sworn in as the fifteenth Premier of Alberta on March 23, 2014. Mr. Hancock retired from the legislature in September 2014 and has since joined Dentons Canada LLP as a member of its Corporate Group, with a practice focused on corporate and commercial law.
Updated May 12, 2021 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)