THUNDER BAY — Lakehead University will recognize the contributions and achievements of six individuals at its main convocation ceremony this week.
Lyn McLeod, Chief Perry Bellegarde, and Karl Subban will receive honourary degrees.
McLeod served as a public school board trustee and MPP for 33 years, and held three cabinet portfolios before being elected leader of the Ontario Liberal party in 1992, thereby becoming the first woman to head a political party in the province.
Since her retirement in 2003, she has served in several other capacities including chair of the Ontario Health Quality Council and founding chancellor of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
Bellegarde has dedicated his life to championing the rights and well-being of First Nations.
For 35 years, he has held various leadership roles, including two terms as National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
Bellegarde campaigned to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and other Canadians.
He was recently named Nation Builder of the Year by the Empire Club of Canada.
Subban, an educator for 30-plus years, an author and inspirational speaker, graduated from Lakehead with a Bachelor of Arts and Faculty of Education degree.
He is the father of three hockey players drafted by NHL teams, and of two daughters who are educators.
Currently serving as principle at Everest Academy in Toronto, Subban wrote a bestseller – How We Did It – with former Thunder Bay resident Scott Colby of the Toronto Star on how to encourage children to develop their potential.
His second book is due to be published this fall.
Lakehead's 57th convocation will also honour former LU Board of Governors Chair Cameron Clark by naming him a Fellow of the University.
Robert and Qennefer Browne (posthumously) will be presented with the 2022 Civitas Award for their significant contributions to the university community.
The main convocation ceremony will be held virtually on Thursday, June 2 at 10 a.m.
Lakehead University will also hold three in-person, faculty-specific graduation ceremonies in Thunder Bay on June 3, as well as a faculty celebration in Orillia on June 11.
Attendance at these events is by invitation only.
