2013 Honorary Degree Recipients


The 2013 President's Installation and Fall Convocation ceremonies are a time to celebrate. These special occasions will include the awarding of honorary doctorates to individuals who enrich Dalhousie and their communities as well as several leading university presidents from around the world.


2013 President's Installation

Bojosi Otlhogile

Past Vice Chancellor, University of Botswana
Dr. Otlhogile led and inspired growth and development of the University of Botswana, while fostering partnerships with international institutions.

Joaquim Clotet Marti

Rector, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul
Dr. Clotet has been instrumental in leading the internationalization of his university, developing university-industry collaboration and contributing to a culture of innovation within the Brazilian economy.

Xu Zhihong

Past President, Peking University
Dr. Xu helped Peking University achieve status as one of the world’s top 50 universities and the top-ranked Chinese university. He also helped establish the Beijing Forum on Higher Education.

Marie-Christine Lemardeley

Chancellor, University of the Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 3)
Dr. Lemardeley is a scholar and accomplished academic leader whose contributions have helped position her institution as one of the best 150 in the world in the Arts and Humanities.

Gerhard Fouquet

President, Christian-Albrechts-University at Kiel
Dr. Fouquet has championed the pursuit of excellence at his university and internationally, particularly through fostering unique international partnerships with universities that share similar specialties, influence and stature.

Rivka Carmi

President, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Prof. Carmi, a pioneer in medical research, has encouraged close ties between Israel’s research universities and its public colleges. Her leadership combines local focus with global implications.

Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad

President, Qatar University
Dr. Al-Misnad has led efforts to transform Qatar University into the region’s leading institution of higher education and has been instrumental in reforming Qatar’s educational system.

W. Eric L. Grimson

Chancellor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Grimson is considered a champion for advancing the role of the research university in an innovation ecosystem, within and beyond the university’s boundaries.


Fall 2013

Daniel N. Paul

A Mi’kmaq Elder, Daniel N. Paul has committed his life to promoting a better understanding of Mi’kmaq and Maliseet history and culture. He is the author of the landmark book We Were Not the Savages, considered the most reliable text on the story of Aboriginal Peoples history in the Atlantic provinces.

Dr. David S. Precious

Dr. David S. Precious, Dean Emeritus of Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, in particular helping patients with congenital cleft lip and palate.

The Honourable Howard I. Wetston, QC

Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as an economic regulator, leading the Competition Bureau, Ontario Energy Board and Ontario Securities Commission. Along with his tenure as a federal court judge and Crown Counsel in Nova Scotia and at the federal Department of Justice, it is an impressive resumé.

Spring 2013

The Honourable Sharon Carstairs, P.C.

The Honourable Sharon Carstairs, P.C. has served as a dedicated teacher, a political trailblazer, a champion for palliative care and an advocate for women and children who have experienced abuse.

Mr. John W. Chisholm

Mr. John Chisholm, a businessman and a philanthropist, has shown great dedication to his community and its economic development. His roots are deeply planted in Antigonish where in 1963; his father established Nova Construction Co. Ltd. and Mr. Chisholm joined the business a year later.  Under his direction it expanded and evolved to include such undertakings such as extensive roadwork, mining and remediation, hydroelectric dam construction, production of granite aggregate for export, and the building of Antigonish Mall.

Mr. Kang Soo Choo

Mr. Kang Soo Choo is the president and CEO of Korea Gas Corporation, the world’s biggest importer of liquefied natural gas. Through the company’s involvement in natural gas exploration, development, production, and LNG terminal management, Mr. Choo has fostered working relationships in many countries. These include Australia, Thailand, China, Canada, Mozambique, Mexico and Indonesia.

Ms. Ellen M. Costello

Ms. Costello is chief executive officer of BMO Financial Corp. (formerly Harris Financial Corp.) and U.S. country head of BMO Financial Group. Ms. Costello has shared her leadership and business acumen with BMO since 1983 and in addition to her accomplishments in the boardroom, Ms. Costello has made great contributions to her community through her volunteer involvement. 

Mr. Hans Christian Jost

Family roots and grapevines entwine in the story of Mr. Hans Christian Jost, a leader in the establishment of Nova Scotia's wine industry and an avid supporter of rural economic development.

Dr. Thomas John (Jock) Murray

Dr. Thomas John (Jock) Murray, an officer of the Order of Canada and member of the Order of Nova Scotia, earned his medical degree at Dalhousie. He returned to become a much-loved professor, dedicated neurologist, highly-respected dean and champion for the medical humanities.

Mr. Seymour Schulich

Mr. Seymour Schulich has had many titles in his life – executive, entrepreneur, and officer of the Order of Canada – to name a few.  A chartered financial analyst, he has navigated a remarkable career path, which has included the fields of oil, mining and investment management. Mr. Schulich has received many honours for his career achievements and his philanthropy including multiple honorary degrees and induction in the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame.

Dr. Frank Tompa

For nearly 40 years, Dr. Tompa has brought his curiosity and gifts to the University of Waterloo. His influence is felt within the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science and well beyond.

Ms. Nancy A. White

From political satire to songs about the realities of parenthood, Ms. Nancy White, an award-winning singer-songwriter, has made listeners laugh out loud while giving them something to mull over at the same time.