International development leader Tim Brodhead recognized with honorary degree from York University
TORONTO, June 20, 2018 –Tim Brodhead, who has improved the lives of thousands of people worldwide, was awarded a York University honorary doctor of laws degree today during the spring convocation ceremony for Glendon and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
A visionary leader whose career has been dedicated to empowering the subjugated and oppressed, Brodhead is an inspiration for compassionate and strategic social and cultural change. He has revolutionized the not-for-profit sector and is a leader in international development and public policy.
Tim Brodhead received an honorary doctor of laws degree at York University’s spring 2018 convocation
Accepting a position at the University of Ife (Nigeria) in 1964, Brodhead began a 25-year relationship with Africa. During this time, he promoted international development specifically in the areas of refugee, post-conflict and disaster regions. He served with CUSO, consulted with aid agencies and foreign governments, and founded several organizations including ACORD, to guide and support international NGOs to plan and implement development projects in Africa. Brodhead’s expertise also allowed him to provide training and advice to CIDA, foreign governments and several UN agencies. He was appointed as president and CEO of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation in 1995, a position he held until 2011.
Brodhead continues to serve several organizations including the Ottawa Community Foundation, Reconciliation Canada, the Arctic Inspiration Prize and the Stephen Jarislowsky Foundation. As a result of this accomplished career, Brodhead has been invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada. He received both the Queen Elizabeth II Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals and has also received a number of honorary degrees.
York University champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni. York U’s fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario’s Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
Media Contact: Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 455-4710, wallsj@yorku.ca
