Long-time NDP leader Ed Broadbent, generous alumnus Justin Chiu, the former president of Guyana and a famous ornithologist will receive honorary degrees at Trent’s 46th Convocation ceremonies on June 5 and 6. “This year we are honouring an international group of individuals for their remarkable achievements and their extraordinary contributions to making the world a better place,” said Dr. Franklin. “All have had an enormous impact, both as leaders in their respective fields, and as advocates for causes such as the environment, education and social justice. Their accomplishments will be an inspiration to the graduates attending the Convocation ceremonies.” The recipients are:
Justin Chiu on Wednesday, June 5 in the morning, receiving a Doctor of Laws degree to be awarded for his significant achievements in international business and his leadership in supporting post-secondary education
His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo – Wednesday, June 5 in the afternoon, receiving a Doctor of Laws degree to be awarded in recognition of his leadership achievements and his advocacy for the environment The Honourable Ed Broadbent – Thursday, June 6 in the morning, receiving a Doctor of Laws degree to be awarded in recognition of his political achievements and leadership
Dr. J. Bruce Falls – Thursday, June 6 in the afternoon, receiving a Doctor of Science degree to be awarded for his contributions as a founding member of the Nature Conservancy of Canada and his achievements in science.
His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo When he became president of Guyana in 1999, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo was one of the youngest heads of state in the world. He was twice elected president before leaving office, in 2012, in accordance with term limits he signed into Guyana’s constitution. During his tenure, Mr. Jagdeo oversaw a period of strong economic growth in his country and the introduction of major social reforms in health, education, and housing. A global champion for the environment, Mr. Jagdeo has advocated for international action to avoid the worst extremes of climate change.
During his presidency, Guyana embarked on one of the world’s most ambitious low carbon development strategies, maintaining 99.5 per cent of its rainforest, and is on track to become the world’s number one user of clean energy by 2017. In 2008, TIME magazine named Mr. Jagdeo a “Hero of the Environment.” In 2010, he was a recipient of the United Nations Champion of the Earth Award, and he was asked to serve on the UN Secretary General’s High Level Advisory Group on Climate Finance. In 2012, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature appointed him high level envoy for Sustainable Development in Forest Countries and a Patron of Nature.
He was a founding board member of the Global Green Growth Institute, the world’s newest international organization, and was elected as its first president in 2012. At the request of leaders of forest countries across the world, he serves as roving ambassador for the Three Basins. From 2005 to 2006, Mr. Jagdeo was chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. In 2006, he was named by the World Economic Forum as an inaugural Young Global Leader. "I am delighted to accept this honour - but I interpret it as recognition of the vision and hard work of everyone in Guyana who is striving to show the world that it is possible to create a new global economy built on clean energy and sustainable land use,” said Mr. Jagdeo. “Creating this new economy is one of the defining challenges of our generation, and we need centres of learning like Trent University to continue to lead the way to the innovations that the world urgently needs."