University to award four honorary degrees at Convocation

Posted: June 4, 2014 10:40 a.m.

(L to R) Honorary doctorate degree recipients: Professor Emeritus Ken Mitchell, performer Jean Freeman; athlete Ted Jaleta and businessman Bill Shurniak. Photo: U of R Photography

Four outstanding individuals will receive honorary doctorate degrees at the University of Regina’s 40th Spring Convocation ceremonies, which will take place June 4-6 at the Conexus Arts Centre.

On June 4, avid athlete and community-builder Ted Jaleta and prominent businessman and patron of the arts Bill Shurniak will each receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Ken Mitchell, a Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Regina will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Letters at Convocation on June 5 – the first time in the University of Regina’s history that someone will receive this particular honour.

On June 6 Jean Freeman Regina-based performer, writer, director, and communicator will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts.

Honorary degrees are the highest honour the University can bestow. Previous recipients of University of Regina honorary degrees include Canadian songstress k.d. lang; former Saskatchewan premiers Tommy Douglas, Allan Blakeney, and Roy Romanow; former Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governors Sylvia Fedoruk and Lynda Haverstock; hockey great Gordie Howe; The Princess Royal, Princess Anne; and dozens of outstanding researchers, writers, artists, philanthropists, humanitarians and leaders.