Ryerson University to honour Richard Atleo, Samantha Nutt and Eric McCormack with Honorary Doctorate degrees, June 12-14

TORONTO, June 6, 2019 – Ryerson University will recognize the accomplishments of Richard Atleo, Samantha Nutt and Eric McCormack with honorary doctorate degrees at this year’s spring convocation ceremonies.

Richard Atleo, Educator - Richard Atleo was raised among the Nuu-chah-nulth people of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada. He is deeply rooted in the area. He is an associate adjunct professor at the University of Victoria and was one of the founders of Vancouver Island University’s First Nations Studies department.Today Atleo is an international lecturer, two-time author, board member for the Canadian Association of University Teachers and research liaison at the University of Manitoba, among many other roles.

Atleo will receive a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) on Wednesday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Faculty of Arts convocation ceremony.

Samantha Nutt, C.M. OOnt ., Founder – War Child - Samantha Nutt is a medical doctor and the renowned founder of the international humanitarian organizations, War Child Canada and War Child USA. Her work covers current affairs, conflict, international aid and foreign policy. It has benefited millions of war-affected children globally.In addition to her many global accomplishments, Nutt has close ties to Toronto as a staff physician at Women’s College Hospital.

Nutt will receive a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) on Wednesday, June 12 at 3:30 p.m. at the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science convocation ceremony.

Eric McCormack, Actor and Philanthropist - Eric McCormack graduated from Ryerson University’s theatre program in 1985. Since then, he has performed on some of theatre’s biggest stages and is known internationally for his award-winning role as Will Truman on Will & Grace.

Beyond acting, McCormack and his wife Janet are involved in many global charitable organizations. He has performed his one-man show across North America to raise money for Stand Up 2 Cancer, ReThink Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Canada.

McCormack will receive a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) on Thursday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Faculty of Communication and Design convocation ceremony.

All ceremonies will take place at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (50 Carlton St., Toronto, ON.). There are reserved seats for media. Media wishing to attend should contact Jessica Leach, below.

WHAT:

Ryerson University Convocation and Honorary Doctorate presentations

WHO/WHEN:    

Richard Atleo - Wednesday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Samantha Nutt – Wednesday, June 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Eric McCormack – Thursday, June 13 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Mattamy Athletic Centre (50 Carlton St., Toronto, ON)

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT

Jessica Leach
Public Affairs, Ryerson University
Phone: 416-704-2166
Email: jleach@torontomu.ca
@RyersonU
@RUconvo

If you require this in another format, please contact Ryerson University Public Affairs at 416-979-5000 x7134.