York University recognized the tremendous contributions of a dozen community and business leaders at this year’s spring convocation ceremonies. An inspiring Canadian athlete will also be recognized with an honorary degree.
“This year’s honorary degree recipients truly are a remarkable group of Canadians, who embody in every way the high public purpose of universities as well as the values that make Canada the country it is today,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “Through their professional contributions, their advocacy and volunteerism, they are involved in supporting and building their communities, engaging with the challenging questions of our time, and inspiring others to follow their important example.”
Here are the five recipients who will be honoured by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, and their convocation addresses on video, in order of appearance:
Matt Galloway
Matt Galloway − Radio personality
Honorary Doctor of Laws
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies I – Monday, June 19, 3:30pm
A staple voice at the CBC for more than 10 years, Matt Galloway (BA ’94) is host of CBC Radio One’s Metro Morning in Toronto and co-host of Podcast Playlist. One of Canada’s most respected radio personalities, he began his career as music director for CHRY-FM at York. He has also written for NOW Magazine and hosted CBLA’s Here and Now before moving to CBC. His accolades include: Top Radio Personality in Toronto NOW Magazine for four consecutive years; Toronto Hero of 2011 by Torontoist; Excellence in Community Service Award in 2012 for addressing issues confronting diverse communities by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute; 2013 Award for Diversity and Inclusion by the Tagore Anniversary Celebrations Committee of Toronto; Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People by Toronto Life magazine (2014-2016) and the African Canadian Achievement Award for Excellence in Media (2015).
Wanda MacNevin
Wanda MacNevin − Social worker, activist, author
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies II – Tuesday, June 20, 10:30am
For over 40 years Wanda MacNevin has been a leader, activist and author in the Jane-Finch community and has built crucial collaborations with York University. Her career in social work was nurtured by York’s Bridging Program for Women. A founding member of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre in 1976, she later developed the Women Moving Forward program for young women who had been teen mothers, established in 2005 with $1.234 million in foundation funding. As the first Community Health Worker for the Black Creek Community Health Centre, she developed programs and services for teen mothers and seniors. The author of two books, she is currently working on a book about the Jane-Finch community. Her interviews with people in the community can be found in the Toronto Public Library’s “Black Creek Living History Project.” She has received many honours including the Woman of the Year award from Jewish Women International, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Michael Dan
Michael Dan − Visionary social entrepreneur and philanthropist
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies III – Tuesday, June 20, 3:30pm
Dr. Michael Dan is a leading philanthropist, supporting human rights, peace in the Middle East, First Nations initiatives and local charities. His career spans the fields of neurosurgery, biotechnology and hydroelectric power. A former assistant professor of neurosurgery, he left medicine to become chief executive officer of Novopharm Biotech, a division of Novopharm Ltd, the generic drug company started by his father, Leslie. He is currently president of both Regulus Investments Inc. and Gemini Power Corp., a hydroelectric company that builds partnerships with First Nations communities. In 2002, he founded the Paloma Foundation to assist charities in the GTA. In 2015, Dr. Dan and his wife, Amira Bojadzija-Dan, made a donation to the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto to create the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health. A great supporter of York University, he has received many accolades including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Order of Ontario, the Order of St. John, and the Order of Canada.
Hayley Wickenheiser
Hayley Wickenheiser, Celebrated elite athlete, author and motivational speaker
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies IV – Wednesday, June 21, 10:30am
Considered one of the best female hockey players in the world, Hayley Wickenheiser is a five-time Olympic medalist and seven-time World Championship medalist. At 15, she became the youngest member chosen for the Canadian Women’s National Team, which she later led to six gold and one silver medal at the Women’s World Hockey Championships. Her Olympic career spans five Winter Olympics between 1998 and 2014. Twice named one of The Globe and Mail’s “Power 50” influencers in sport, her many accolades also include being named #20 on Sports Illustrated’s Top 25 Toughest Athletes in the World in 2008. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2011 and inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2014. In addition to working with organizations such as JumpStart, KidSport, Project North and Right to Play, she provides mentoring opportunities for young athletes through The Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival.
Steve Paikin
Steve Paikin, Journalist
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies V – Wednesday, June 21, 3:30pm
Engaging, informing and educating Canadians has been Steve Paikin’s purpose throughout his career as a broadcast journalist, author and filmmaker. He is best known as the host of TVO’s flagship current affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, which explores social, political, cultural and economic matters, and broadens the discussion on issues important to Ontarians. He joined TVO in 1992 after working at The Hamilton Spectator, CHFI radio station, and as Queen’s Park correspondent for CBC Television’s Toronto station. He has moderated three federal and three provincial election leaders’ debates and has authored several books about politicians, including one about Ontario’s 18th premier, Bill Davis. Paikin, who places high importance on education, is currently Chancellor of Laurentian University. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013 and appointed to the Order of Ontario the following year.