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
Terry Lusty
An honorary Doctor of Laws will be conferred on Terry Lusty in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to public service and humanitarian contributions.
Mr. Lusty has been recognized at the provincial and community level for his advocacy and artistic talents and is widely recognized in the Indigenous community as a historian, advocate, artist, and photojournalist.
Mr. Lusty participated at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s Inquiry, Orange Shirt Day walks, and has served as a traditional drummer/singer at cultural events. In addition to his varied accomplishments, Mr. Lusty was also a teacher in the communities of Fort Chipewyan and Wabasca/Demarais. He has contributed to Alberta Learning’s First Nation, Metis and Inuit Program Development and Standards Advisory Committee helping to shape the curriculum for learners in Alberta, and remains committed to his traditional teachings of respect, humility, responsibility, and reconciliation.
Mr. Lusty is a strong role model for Indigenous students and serves as an Elder with several groups, including the Edmonton Friendship Centre, the Edmonton Aboriginal Relations Office, Bent Arrow Tradition Healing Society, and the Creating Hope Society.
Sheldon Kennedy
An honorary Doctor of Laws will be conferred upon Sheldon Kennedy in recognition of his outstanding contributions to programs and education supporting the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
Mr. Kennedy, a former NHL player, became a widely known and respected advocate after courageously speaking out about the sexual abuse he suffered as a teenager at the hands of his junior hockey coach. He co-founded the Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre, the first centre of its kind in Canada to offer full services for victims of child abuse, and Respect Group, which provides education to prevent online abuse and bullying.
Mr. Kennedy is a Member of the Order of Hockey in Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence, and the Order of Canada.
Updated June 25, 2021 by Digital & Web Operations, University Relations (web_services@athabascau.ca)