Honorary degree and Order of the University of Calgary recipients announced for spring 2024 convocation

Chancellor Jon Cornish and President Ed McCauley are pleased to announce the Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon. LLD) and Order of the University of Calgary recipients for the spring 2024 convocation ceremony. 

The honorary degree is UCalgary’s highest academic distinction and is bestowed upon individuals whose notable achievements and community service merit recognition. The distinguished recipient addresses our graduating class at the convocation ceremony, sharing words of wisdom they have gained through years of excellence and leadership in their field. 

The Order of the University of Calgary recipient has a record of exemplary and distinguished service to the university. The nominee can be a current or past member of the UCalgary community.

Hon. LLD recipients 

Elder Rosemary Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’24 

Visionary Elder whose significant contributions and tireless dedication to Indigenous community engagement, reconciliation and education have significantly enriched our university and the broader community. Elder Crowshoe was the recipient of the Queen's II Platinum Jubilee Medal and in June 2022 was appointed to the Order of Canada. 

Elder Crowshoe will be awarded her honorary degree and address the graduating class on Monday, June 3, during the afternoon ceremony for the faculties of Graduate Studies, Arts and Social Work.

Gordon J. Hoffman, MEd’71, Hon. LLD’24 

Lawyer, philanthropist, Order of Canada member and community leader who supports a broad spectrum of people through his leadership of nearly 100 charitable and community organizations.  

Hoffman will receive his honorary degree and address the graduating class on Wednesday, June 5, during the afternoon ceremony for the Faculty of Graduate Studies, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, and the Werklund School of Education.  

Order of the University of Calgary recipients  

Dr. Robert Barclay, PhD 

Professor emeritus, Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, who has made exceptional contributions as a dedicated educator, a leading researcher and passionate community advocate of conservation biology. 

Barclay will be presented with his Order of the University of Calgary on Tuesday, June 4, during the morning ceremony for the faculties of Graduate Studies and Science.  

Branden Cave,  BA’17 

UCalgary Students’ Union director of legal and human resources, whose remarkable advocacy efforts as a student leader and continued champion for student needs at the university significantly enrich campus life. 

Cave will be presented with his Order of the University of Calgary on Monday, June 3, during the afternoon ceremony for the faculties of Graduate Studies, Arts and Social Work.