At Queen’s University, the presentation of honorary degrees is one of the many traditions of convocation. This fall, two recipients will be honored during the ceremonies. Honorary degree recipients are selected by Queen’s community members for their contributions to the local community, Canadian society, or the world.

The honorary degree recipients for Fall Convocation are:

Sylvia Maracle (Skonaganleh:ra), Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Ceremony 2: Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 pm

Sylvia Maracle is the Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC), and has been involved in the Friendship Centre movement for more than 45 years. In this role she has led advancements in justice, health, employment, housing, poverty, and women’s issues for urban Indigenous peoples. A passionate advocate, she is known for her leadership in the area of ending violence against Indigenous women and girls. Sylvia was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017 in recognition of her significant contributions to improving the lives of Indigenous people. A Mohawk from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, she is a member of the Wolf Clan.

Reeta Roy, Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Ceremony 5: Thursday, Nov. 15, at 10 am

Reeta Roy is President and CEO of The Mastercard Foundation, a leading philanthropic organization focused on financial inclusion and youth learning initiatives. Under her leadership, The Mastercard Foundation has focused its work in Africa and committed more than US$2.1 billion to advance education and financial inclusion across the continent. The private foundation forges partnerships with a diverse range of visionary organizations and is initiating large-scale projects, such as the $500 million Scholars Program, of which Queen’s University is a partner institution. She is regularly called upon by the United Nations, the World Bank, USAID, and international agencies to represent the philanthropic sector and contribute to global development strategies.

FALL CONVOCATION

Starting Tuesday, Nov. 13 and finishing Thursday, Nov. 15, a total of six ceremonies are being held for Fall Convocation.

All six ceremonies – two each day at 10 am and 2:30 pm – are being held at Grant Hall.

Live ceremony feeds will begin approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start of each ceremony.

More information about Convocation at Queen's is available on the website of the Office of the University Registrar, including a full schedule of the ceremonies.