2011 Honorary Degree Recipients

Honorary degrees are often conferred on deserving individuals for a number of reasons, including long-standing achievement in an academic field or unparalleled commitment to community service.

2011 Fall Congregation Honorary Degree Recipients

Dr. Mario José Molina

Mario José Molina is a Mexican-born chemist who identified the threat of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases to the ozone layer and was a key figure in making this a public issue. In 1995, Molina was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his research. He will receive his honorary degree in the fall.

See Mario José Molina’s citation

View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

Dr. David Suzuki, C.C., O.B.C.

David Suzuki is a Canadian icon celebrated as a researcher, science broadcaster and environmental activist. He is the co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation and has worked to popularize science and environmental issues throughout his career. Before beginning a career in the media, Suzuki was a zoology professor at UBC. Suzuki will receive his honorary degree in the fall.

See David Suzuki’s citation

View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

2011 Spring Congregation Honorary Degree Recipients

	The Honourable Jack Austin, P.C., Q.C., O.B.C. Jack Austin, a Canadian senator, worked to establish the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and was instrumental in Vancouver’s bids for Expo ’86 and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. See Jack Austin’s citation View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

	Dr. Leon Bibb, O.B.C. Leon Bibb, a singer, guitarist and actor has had a long and distinguished career as an international performer. Bibb has played a fundamental role in developing B.C.’s arts community and has been an advocate for minority rights. See Leon Bibb’s citation View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

	Dr. Thomas Wing Fat Fung Thomas Wing Fat Fung is the founder and CEO of the Fairchild Group and has been an important force economically and socially in Vancouver. Fung’s media outlets help foster understanding in multicultural communities and ensure that Chinese-speaking citizens can participate in the issues facing their communities and country. See Thomas Fung’s citation View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

	Dr. Diane Loomer, C.M. Diane Loomer is an internationally acclaimed choral conductor, educator and composer whose leadership has resulted in the founding of two internationally recognized and award-winning choirs: Elektra and Chor Leoni. See Diane Loomer’s citation View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

	Dr. Kenneth Lyotier Kenneth Lyotier is the founder of United We Can, a non-profit social enterprise that provides a significant source of employment for residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where Lyotier is recognized as a community leader and builder. See Kenneth Lyotier’s citation View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

	Dr. James Allen McEwen James Allen McEwen, a pioneer of the Canadian biomedical engineering industry, is the inventor of the microprocessor-controlled automatic surgical tourniquet system that is now standard equipment in operating rooms worldwide. See James McEwen’s citation View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube

	Dr. Amartya Sen Amartya Sen is an Indian economist who won the 1998 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his research on welfare economics, human development theory and for his work to help the world’s poor. Sen’s research crosses several disciplines but he is best known for his work to understand the causes of famine. See Amartya Sen’s citation

	Dr. Nancy Jean Turner, C.M., O.B.C. Nancy Jean Turner is an ethnobotanist and Distinguished Professor in the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria who combines the science and social science of botany and anthropology for her research. See Nancy Turner’s citation View awarding of Honorary Degree – YouTube