Honorary Degrees at the University of Calgary

Submit a nomination
Pat Carlson - Spirng 2025 UCalgary Convocation speech

What is an honorary degree?

An honorary degree (HD) is the university's highest accolade, bestowed on those individuals whose extraordinary achievements and service to the community are deemed worthy of praise and note. Through their stature and example, honorary degree recipients provide inspiration and leadership to the graduating class, the University, and the community. This degree, conferred honoris causa, "for the sake of honour", is said to honour both the recipient and the spirit of the institution. 

Honorary degrees from the University of Calgary are conferred on the authorization of the Senate. The Honorary Degree Committee determines suitable candidates for Senate's consideration and the recipients are ultimately chosen by the Chancellor and the President.

Honorary degree recipients Cherie Copithorne-Barnes, Bryan Mahoney and John Crier

Fall 2025 Recipients

Chancellor Jon Cornish and President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley are pleased to announce the honorary degree recipients for the Fall 2025 Convocation ceremonies.

Read more

Who should you nominate for an Honorary Degree?

Someone you really admire.

Pick someone you really admire for their lifetime of achievements. 

Someone who will bring honour to UCalgary

The person may be well known, or a rising star, from any walk of life - business, academia, the arts, or the non-profit sector. 

Someone who demonstrates leadership

The person nominated should bring inspiration by being a role model to our graduates. 

Someone who has distinguished themselves

Someone who has achieved an exceptional standard of excellence in their chosen field. 

  1. How do I write a nomination?

    Nominations require one primary letter of nomination and a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 supporting statements from other individuals. The nominator should obtain the additional support letters with signatures then complete the nomination form online. Do not assume that committee members have personal knowledge of the candidate or the nominators. A summary of other accomplishments is helpful, but a full bio or resume is only required if it is deemed of importance by the nominator.

  2. What happens after it's submitted?

    The completed nomination will be brought forward to the Honors Committee for review and consideration. If approved by this committee, the nomination is then voted on by the Senate of the University of Calgary. The Senate has responsibility for approving individuals for selection by the Chancellor and President Vice Chancellor. The list of approved candidates is then submitted to the University Chancellor who, along with the University President and Vice-Chancellor, will select an Honorary Degree awardee. All proceedings regarding the selection of recipients are confidential.