TORONTO, October 24, 2001 -- York University will confer honorary degrees on Toronto Star columnist Haroon Siddiqui, TVOntario Chair Isabel Bassett, National Archivist of Canada Ian E. Wilson and atmospheric scientist Dr. Colin Hines during its fall convocation ceremonies Fri., Nov. 2 and Sat., Nov. 3.
"One of the great pleasures of convocation is recognizing the remarkable achievements of not only our newest graduates, but also of our honorary degree recipients whose work represents incredible vision, dedication and commitment," said York University President Lorna 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.
Dr. Colin Hines: Considered a pioneer of atmospheric science, Dr. Colin Hines developed the first widely accepted theory on atmospheric gravity waves. Hines showed how these common waves can influence the weather. Hines is the recipient of the Napier Shaw Memorial Prize of the Royal Meteorological Society of London (1962); a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (1966), the American Meteorological Association (1971) and the Royal Society of Canada (1976). Hines will receive his honorary Doctor of Science degree (DSc) Fri., Nov. 2, at 10 a.m.
Haroon Siddiqui: A highly respected journalist and columnist at The Toronto Star, Haroon Siddiqui writes a twice-weekly column that explores Canada's role in the global village. As the Editor Emeritus of the newspaper's editorial page, he has challenged Canadians to rethink outmoded clichés and stereotypes of immigrants and minorities. He has visited more than 40 countries, covering the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the American hostage crisis in Iran and the Iran-Iraq war. He has also reported on Meech Lake, Charlottetown and Free Trade. Siddiqui will receive his honorary Doctor of Letters degree (DLitt) Fri., Nov. 2, at 2:30 p.m.
Isabel Bassett: Appointed chair of TVOntario in November 1999, Isabel Bassett possesses an impressive background in broadcast journalism, teaching and public service. Bassett served as MPP for the riding of St. Andrew-St. Patrick from 1995 to 1999 and Minister of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation from 1997 to 1999. She has more than 20 years experience in journalism, including seven years as host reporter for CFTO's "Hourlong" and has won numerous awards for her documentaries. She graduated from York with an MA in English in 1973. Bassett will receive her honorary Doctor of Laws degree (LLD) Sat., Nov. 3, at 10:30 a.m.
Ian E. Wilson: As National Archivist of Canada, Ian E. Wilson has worked diligently to help safeguard the integrity of archival records while at the same time encouraging an active use of them by the public. He served as Archivist of Ontario and as a member of the Ontario government's Information and Information Technology Management Committee. Wilson is also a member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and the Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names. Wilson will receive his honorary Doctor of Letters degree (DLitt) Sat., Nov. 3, at 2:30 p.m.
Approximately 1,700 graduate and undergraduate students will receive degrees during the fall convocation ceremonies, joining York's more than 160,000 alumni.
York University, celebrating more than four decades of pioneering new directions in postsecondary education, is Canada’s third largest University. York is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and award-winning teaching. 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.
*Please note: York University’s fall convocation ceremonies will be Webcast live over the Internet. The Webcast and archives can be accessed by visiting: www.yorku.ca.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
| Ken Turriff | |
| Media Relations | |
| York University | |
| 416-736-2100, ext. 22086 | |
| kturriff@yorku.ca |
YU/116/01
