Humber College in Toronto bestowed eight honorary degrees to deserving recipients as part of its Spring 2023 Convocation ceremonies.
“The recipients are inspiring Canadians who have made their mark in the fields of business, arts and culture, and education,” it said in a post on its website.
On June 14, Andrew Monkhouse – an employment lawyer and founder of Monkhouse Law – received an honorary degree.
“Monkhouse is the Founding President of the Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario, which represents and organizes events for employment lawyers in the province,” it said. “More than a decade ago, he became the organizer of the Osgoode Cup and one of his first initiatives was to invite Humber’s paralegal studies students to compete directly against their university counterparts from across Canada. “
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Honorary degree holders
The other people to receive honorary degrees include:
SARA DIAMOND:
On June 13, Sara Diamond – computer scientist, historian and President Emerita of OCAD University – received an honorary degree. Diamond led collaborative efforts to strengthen equity and diversity at OCAD University and to support Indigenous cultures, research, and decolonization. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards including the Order of Ontario and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
MICHAEL LINKLATER:
On June 13, Michael Linklater – an award-winning athlete, community leader and advocate for Indigenous youth from Thunderchild First Nation, received an honorary degree. Linklater co-founded the organization Boys with Braids, which aims to challenge stereotypes and promote self-esteem among Indigenous boys and men by encouraging them to embrace their traditional identity by wearing braids. He is also the owner and head coach of Prime Basketball Development, which teaches young basketball players how to become champions on and off the court.
ANTHONY LONGO:
On June 14, Anthony Longo – president and chief executive officer of Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc. and a longtime friend and supporter of Humber – received an honorary degree. Longo, a Humber graduate, previously donated $5 million to Humber to support scholarships and entrepreneurship programming to provide increased opportunities for students to develop the skills and experience that will set them on the road to success. He has actively supported a number of charitable initiatives, including food banks, healthcare organizations, and youth empowerment programs.
LANA PAYNE:
On June 14, Lana Payne – National President of Unifor, the first woman to hold that leadership office, and a former journalist – received an honorary degree. Payne is the past president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour where she used her media experience to elevate the profile of the labour movement and drive change. Payne has also been named one of Canada’s 23 Bold Women of Vision.
ELDER ALBERT MARSHALL:
On June 15, Elder Albert Marshall – an honorary Doctor of Letters, Mi’kmaw Spiritual Leader, author, curriculum developer, advocate and award winner – received an honorary degree. Elder Marshall is an Indigenous leader and guardian of traditional knowledge whose deep understanding of the interconnectedness between nature, spirituality, and human existence has served as a guiding light for Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous allies.
CHANTAL KREVIAZUK:
On June 15, Chantal Kreviazuk – a Grammy Award and JUNO Award-winning singer, songwriter and activist – received an honorary degree. Kreviazuk has written songs for and collaborated with musicians including Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and Drake. She’s an advocate who has supported organizations including War Child Canada and Free the Children.
JAMES ESTILL:
On June 16, James Estill – an entrepreneur and humanitarian and the owner and CEO Danby Appliances – received an honorary degree. Estill is an advocate for refugee resettlement and supported 50 Syrian families fleeing the country’s civil war. He has received the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.
