Queen’s University has revealed its honorary degree recipients for fall convocation and the list includes an author, a health educator, a businessman and a world-renowned pianist.

To receive an honorary degree, the recipient must have made an outstanding contribution on a national or international scale. The contribution may have advanced the recipient’s field of work or discipline, or been to the benefit of community, society, or the university.

The honorary degree recipients this year include:

John A. Rae, Doctor of Laws LLD - Mr. Rae studied politics and economics at Queen’s, was the editor of the Queen's Journal, and Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Queen's University. Mr. Rae has made significant contributions to Canadian politics. He served as executive assistant to the Right Hon. Jean Chrétien from 1967 to 1971. Mr. Chrétien entered the Cabinet in 1967, becoming Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in 1968. Mr. Rae was also the national campaign chairman for Mr. Chrétien and coordinated several of the Liberal Party’s federal leadership campaigns. In 1971, he joined the Power Corporation of Canada and in 1991 became its executive vice-president.   Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 10 am.

Oliver Theophilus Jones, Doctor of Laws LLD - A Juno award winner, Mr. Jones made his debut as a pianist at age five and made his first night club appearance at nine. In his 77-year career, he has released an impressive 25 albums and has been recognized with numerous awards including the Order of Quebec, the Order of Canada, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Award. He also received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 2:30 pm.

Debbie Docherty, Doctor of Science DSc -  Debbie Docherty studied at McMaster University and spent much of her career at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Late in her career she completed her Master of Social Work degree at McGill University. The experience of living with multiple sclerosis from age 38 and retirement at 55 allowed more time to engage in mentoring Queen’s students in occupational therapy, nursing, medicine and physiotherapy. The Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice included Debbie in the planning and delivery of a wide range of significant educational events for all Faculty of Health Science students. Dr. Docherty also worked internationally with the Queen’s International Center for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 2:30 pm.

David Bouchard, Doctor of Laws LLD - As a Métis, Mr. Bouchard knew nothing of his roots growing up but through the process of writing, learned more about his heritage. Many of his books center around Indigenous issues and the journey of discovery. The recipient of numerous national and international literary accolades, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, and the Silver Birch Award, and whose iconic work “If You’re Not From The Prairie” has been included in Maclean's Magazine’s list of the top 20 children’s books in the history of Canada. Mr. Bouchard’s love of reading and writing fills his daily life. He writes wherever he happens to be at the time. Thursday, Nov. 16 at 2:30 pm.