The first time I witnessed an Honorary Degree (HD) at graduation, I was a third-year student hidden behind the stage arranging hoods and gowns—a job taken on by the AMS operations team. The organized chaos slowed as my attention drifted to the voice on stage, listing off a litany of achievements that stretched so long the audience began to chuckle in disbelief.
Now, I stand on stage during this read aloud to confer the award alongside the Principal and Chancellor. What hasn’t changed is the impressive citation length and—without fail—the audible reactions of attendees, who perk up at the realization they get the pleasure of hearing from an individual who made transformative impacts in academia, business, politics, scientific research, or the arts. It’s icing on the cake to watching your child graduate!
There are 1,400 people, and counting, who’ve received an HD from our institution. Many are recognizable from our history books, TV screens, and playlists.
Queen’s has bestowed an HD to people like Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt, Frederick Banting, Arthur McDonald, Margaret Atwood, and Kingston-found band, the Tragically Hip. Unsurprisingly, there are also several of the British Royal family who have graced our campus to collect the title. Princess Diana accompanied her King-to-be husband, then Prince Charles, in 1991 to receive his HD. I can only wonder—if things had been different, would she have returned for her own?
What I value most about the process is the community-based approach to granting the highest degree at Queen’s. Any two ordinary people can submit a nomination for an individual who has made outstanding contributions to society.
As Rector, I sit on the Honorary Degree Committee with Deans from all Faculties and student government leaders. Since this academic degree is given without actually pursuing the requirements, the bar is set high to meet the standards of our university’s highest honour.
Our decisions are brought to the attention of Senate for final approval. If your nomination is lifted from the page to stage, you’ll be invited to be the on-campus host during graduation day.
Fall convocation is fast approaching and the first HD recipient is the fabulously skilled Cree artist and activist Kent Monkman. I was ecstatic to vote in favour for this nomination and the only thing that could make it more exciting is if Monkman’s bold alter ego, Miss Chief Eagle Testikle, appears at Grant Hall to address esteemed graduates and their loved ones.
The nomination form for next year is open now and should be completed by Feb. 28, 2025. You may want to start now, as packages can be up to 15 pages in length.
At your service,
Niki
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