Nominate TMU’s next honorary doctorate recipient

Do you know someone inspiring or remarkable, who’s worthy of an honorary doctorate?

If you said “yes,” the university wants to hear from you.

That’s right: nominations for the prestigious honorary doctorate award can be submitted by TMU students, faculty, employees or alumni – including you.

Honorary doctorates are presented to several esteemed individuals at Convocation each spring and fall. They are the highest honour conferred by the university and are awarded to those who have made extraordinary contributions to:

• Academia and/or society in Canada or internationally, particularly in fields of interest to the university;
• The development of the university;
• The betterment of culture, society or the local community.

Notable past recipients at TMU have included girls education and human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai, Canadian environmental activist David Suzuki, award-winning Canadian writer Margaret Atwood and many other notable figures.

Exciting way to have an impact
Submitting a nominee is a special way for TMU community members to become engaged not just in convocation but the university's identity.

President and Vice-Chancellor Mohamed Lachemi also said honorary doctorates are important ambassadors for the institution. 

“We want to hear from our community members on who they think could best share what it means to be a member of this diverse and dynamic community,” Lachemi said.

Another added bonus: the nominator of an honorary doctorate recipient is also invited to the ceremony and has the chance to meet with the recipient at the event. 

In terms of a deadline to submit nominations, Kim McDonald, director, university events and strategic initiatives, said nominations can be received year round. She also notes that that doesn't necessarily mean an individual will be awarded during the next convocation cycle, but may still be considered for a convocation after that. 

“This process is open and ongoing,” she said.

Selection criteria
Already have someone in mind? Fantastic! But before filling out the nomination form, it’s important to also consider the selection criteria below: 

• In what ways is the candidate’s achievement truly outstanding?
• In what ways has the nominee made an extraordinary contribution to scholarship, society and culture?
• Will this person’s achievement be perceived as important and exemplary to the students who will graduate at that convocation?
• Does this candidate reflect the diversity of Canadian society or the academic diversity of the university in the honours it bestows?

For a complete list of selection criteria, please visit the honorary doctorate guidelines.

Reminder: Shhh!
And remember, anyone submitting a nominee should also be mindful that the process is strictly confidential. That means that if you’re nominating someone, you shouldn’t disclose it to the person being nominated. The nominator will learn from the university if that nominee is selected to receive the award.

Exclusions:
Now that we’ve covered what’s needed, it’s also important to take a look at why an individual may not qualify. Exclusions include:

• Administration, faculty and staff at the university are normally not eligible for nomination until at least three years after leaving the university.
• Politicians currently in office will not normally be considered.
• The nominee must be living. If the candidate dies after accepting the nomination, but prior to its award, the degree will be awarded posthumously.
• Other than in exceptional circumstances, honourees must be present at the convocation ceremony to receive an honorary degree; honorary degrees will not be offered in absentia.

So, is there someone who has inspired you, or accomplished something pretty incredible, and meets the criteria above?

If so, this is your chance. Visit the links below for everything you need to know:

• Honorary doctorate guidelines
• Complete a nomination form

Related

• CBC’s Dwight Drummond among 10 notable figures receiving TMU honorary doctorates 
• Renowned journalist, esteemed peace activist to receive honorary doctorates
• View past TMU honorary doctorates here