Former governor general among honourees at Acadia convocation

Former governor general Michaëlle Jean is among six people receiving honorary degrees at Acadia University's 2023 convocation ceremony on May 14 and 15.

The honorary degrees recognize people who have made significant contributions to the arts and public service.

Jean will be awarded a doctor of civil laws degree in recognition of her work as an academic, journalist, leader and public servant.

Other honorees include Gerald Gloade, a program development officer for the Mi'kmawey Debert Project and an artist, educator, storyteller, naturalist and elder who will be awarded a doctor of humanities degree.

Peter MacKay, former justice minister and attorney general of Canada, and Beverley McLachlin, former chief justice of Canada, will both be awarded doctor of civil laws degrees.

David Mensah, executive director of a pair of nonprofits that support sustainable community development in northern Ghana, will receive a doctor of divinity degree.

David W. States, a wellrespected historian, genealogist, scholar and public servant who has made significant contributions to the understanding of African Canadian history, will receive a doctor of humanities degree.

Acadia’s president and vice-chancellor, Peter Ricketts, praised the honourees for their achievements.

“They have inspired me and many others through their resilience, ingenuity, and compassion for others,” said Ricketts in a news release.

More than 800 graduates from the faculties of arts, pure and applied science, professional studies and theology will receive their diplomas and certificates.