Honorary Degrees at the University of Calgary

Honorary Degrees

Honorary Degrees from the University of Calgary are conferred on the authorization of the Senate. The Honorary Degree Committee determines suitable candidates for Senate's consideration and the recipients are ultimately chosen by the Chancellor and the President.


Head and shoulders photo of Roy Bear Chief.

Fall 2022 Recipient

Chancellor Jon Cornish and President and Vice-Chancellor Ed McCauley are pleased to announce the honorary degree recipient for the Fall 2022 Convocation ceremonies.

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Who should you nominate for an Honorary Degree?

Someone you really admire.

Pick someone you really admire for their lifetime of achievements. 

Someone who will bring honour to UCalgary

The person may be well known, or a rising star, from any walk of life - business, academia, the arts, or the non-profit sector. 

Someone who demonstrates leadership

The person nominated should bring inspiration by being a role model to our graduates. 

Someone who has distinguished themselves

Someone who has achieved an exceptional standard of excellence in their chosen field. 

  1. How do I write a nomination?

    Nominations require one key letter of nomination and a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 supporting statements from other individuals. Please ensure that your nomination describes clearly the reasons for the nomination and the contributions of the candidate. Do not assume that members of the committee have personal knowledge of the candidate or the nominators. And, please note, it is not necessary or preferred that you provide the nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.

  2. What happens after it's submitted?

    Completed applications will be considered by the Honorary Degree Nomination Review Sub-Committee at their next applicable meeting. The committee meets routinely between September and June and recommends candidates for Honorary Degrees to the Senate for approval and for selection by the Chancellor and President. All proceedings of this committee and the Senate in relation to the selection of Honorary Degree recipients are completely confidential.