Toronto, June 7, 2013 – Technology entrepreneur Douglas Bergeron will receive an honorary degree from York University on Monday, June 10 and speak to graduating students at their 10:30am convocation ceremony. Dancer, choreographer and teacher Peggy Baker, who will also be awarded an honorary degree, will speak to students at the 3:30pm convocation.
Douglas Bergeron, Doctor of Laws, Monday, June 10, 10:30am −
Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Champion of Higher Education
One of the Lassonde School of Engineering’s most successful alumni, Douglas Bergeron graduated in 1983 with a degree in Computer Science. Bergeron later embarked on a remarkable career in the software and telecommunications sector, becoming a rising star in Silicon Valley. With his innovative spirit, he combined his understanding of technology with the essence of entrepreneurship to create profitable enterprises. His accolades include the 2007 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
He has championed causes in support of higher education, particularly in the areas of disease-related research support services, entrepreneurship, women in technology, and STEM education. He has also been a major presence in the battle against multiple sclerosis. Dedicated to philanthropy, entrepreneurship and social responsibility, Douglas Bergeron and his wife, Sandra, recently donated $2 million to York University to create the Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) program, with the aim of nurturing some of Canada’s brightest minds: individuals interested in effecting change through entrepreneurship and technology.
Peggy Baker, Doctor of Laws, Monday, June 10, 3:30 pm –
Choreographer, Dancer, Teacher
One of Canada’s most eminent artists, Peggy Baker’s work as a dancer, choreographer, educator and advocate for dance has raised the profile of dance across the nation, expanded artistic expectations and deepened dance education. Her teaching has inspired several generations of dancers, in the contexts of both modern dance and ballet.
In 1974, she was one of the founding members of Toronto’s Dancemakers. In 1980, she joined the celebrated New York-based Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, where she was a featured performer for eight years. She became the first-ever artist-in-residence at Canada’s National Ballet School in 1990. A decade later, she launched the Choreographers’ Trust, through which she has passed on her solo choreographies. She has also taught master classes through Peggy Baker Dance Projects for more than 20 years.
A member of the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario, Peggy Baker is known internationally for her generous and unflagging devotion to art.
Convocation ceremonies will take place at the Convocation Pavilion located at the Rexall Centre, 1 Shoreham Drive, at York University’s Keele campus (#8 on map).
Ceremonies will be webcast at the following link, which will become live when ceremonies begin: http://www.yorku.ca/mygrad/livewebcast.
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.
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Media Contact:
Joanne Rider, York University, 416 736 5593 / jrider@yorku.ca
Robin Heron, York University, 416 736-2100, ext.22097 / rheron@yorku.ca
