TORONTO, October 28, 2002 -- York University will confer honorary degrees on former Ontario Lt.-Gov. Hilary Weston and former British High Commissioner to Canada Sir Brian Fall during its fall convocation ceremonies, Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2.
"Convocation recognizes and celebrates the remarkable achievements of both our newest graduates and our honorary degree recipients whose work represents incredible vision, dedication and commitment," said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden.
Ceremonies will take place in the Tait McKenzie Main Auditorium, York University Keele campus, 4700 Keele St. A description of each honorary degree recipient follows in order of ceremony.
Hilary Weston: As Ontario's 26th Lieutenant Governor, the second woman to hold the distinguished post, Hilary Weston devoted herself to celebrating the achievements of volunteers, women and young people. Weston established The Hilary M. Weston Foundation for Youth, toward which she donated her salary. She is the honorary patron of more than 140 not-for-profit organizations. Through her work with Holt Renfrew and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, she continues to work tirelessly in support of cultural projects, breast cancer and AIDS research. Weston will receive her honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LLD) Saturday, Nov. 2, at 10:30 a.m.
Sir Brian Fall: A member of the British diplomatic service from 1962 to 1995, Sir Brian Fall has had a long and distinguished career, including as high commissioner to Canada (1989-1992) and ambassador to Russia (1992-1995). As principal of Lady Margaret Hall (College) at Oxford University, Fall has been instrumental in promoting Canadian studies through the establishment of the Canada Seminars speakers series. He is currently a senior diplomatic advisor to a Financial Times 100 company. Fall will receive his honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LLD) Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2:30 p.m.
York University’s fall convocation ceremonies will be streamed live over the Internet at: http://www.studentaffairs.yorku.ca/convo/convolive.htm. Approximately 1,900 graduate and undergraduate students will graduate during the ceremonies, joining York's more than 168,000 alumni.
Since its founding in 1959, York University has become nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and award-winning teaching. The third-largest university in Canada, York offers its 40,000 students programs in 10 faculties and access to research flowing from the university's more than 20 research centres. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, opportunities for bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campuses in one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the contemporary standard in academic excellence.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
| Ken Turriff |
| Media Relations |
| York University |
| 416-736-2100, ext. 22086 |
| kturriff@yorku.ca |
YU/097/02
