Recipients
On an annual basis, the Board of Governors of Athabasca University invites nominations for Honorary Degrees to be presented at the university’s convocation ceremonies. Honorary Doctorates may be awarded in the following categories:
- Honorary Doctor of Laws
- Honorary Doctor of Letters
- Honorary Doctor of Science
- Honorary Doctor of Athabasca University
Watch for details about the 2021 Honorary Award winners.
Lorne Gladu
An honorary Doctor of Laws was conferred on Lorne Gladu in recognition of his dedication and support to the Métis community and the impact his work has had on the Métis Nation of Alberta and beyond. Mr. Gladu is the CEO of Rupertsland Institute (RLI), an affiliate of the Métis Nation of Alberta entrusted with a triple mandate in education, training, and research.
RLI offers programs and services that provide educational and training opportunities to the Métis people. As the institute’s head, Mr. Gladu’s vision and achievements have garnered national and international recognition reflective of his dedication as a Métis leader, community and public advocate, and community-builder. Mr. Gladu’s tireless work, commitment, and advocacy have intrinsically changed educational opportunities for all Métis Albertans, and the legacy that he has built through RLI provides a strong foundation for continuing growth.
Kathryn J. Hannah
An honorary Doctor of Science was conferred on Kathryn J. Hannah in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and achievements in information management in health environments, and the significant impact her work has had on patient care in Canada and beyond. Dr. Hannah leveraged the emerging technology of the 1980’s to build digital literacy in nursing and health in Alberta, Canada, and the world.
Her achievements are widely recognized by the public, and by nursing and informatics experts nationally and internationally. Currently Dr. Hannah is a senior health informatics consultant for the Canadian Nurses Association and Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria. Dr. Hannah is an innovator and leader in the field of informatics who has had an enormous impact on health outcomes and health-care delivery in Canada. Her legacy will be felt for years to come.
Updated March 31, 2021 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)