Concordia University awards honorary doctorates to nine distinguished individuals

Montreal, May 9, 2017 – Concordia University will present honorary doctorates to nine individuals who have made their mark in the fields of literature, athletics, international aid, music, business and philanthropy. They will receive their honorary doctorates during spring convocation ceremonies, taking place June 5, 6 and 7, 2017 in Place des Arts’ Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier  (175 Ste-Catherine St. W.). The honorands will join more than 3,000 students from four Faculties as well as the School of Graduate Studies who will be receiving their diplomas.

The honorands are:

Monday, June 5, 10 a.m. – Faculty of Arts and Science

The Honourable Chantal Petitclerc, C.C., C.Q., Senator

For her resilience and athletic accomplishments

After losing the use of her legs following an accident at the age of 13, Chantal Petitclerc pursued swimming then discovered wheelchair racing. She went on to compete in five Paralympic Games, winning 21 medals, fourteen of them gold. In 2008, Petitclerc retired from competition after winning five of her gold medals at the Bejing Paralympic Games.

The only Canadian athlete who’s won gold at the Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games, Petitclerc broke 26 world records during her career, two of which still stand.

She served as Canada’s chef de mission for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Earlier that same year, Petitclerc was named to the upper house of Parliament where she now sits as a non-afflilated senator.

Monday, June 5, 3 p.m. - Faculty of Arts and Science

Kim Thúy, C.Q.

For giving eloquent voice to the refugee experience

Kim Thúy’s debut novel Ru won the Governor General’s Literary Award for French language fiction in 2010 and swept the 2015 edition of CBC’s Canada Reads. Thúy has since published three more novels, including her latest, Vi. Her books have been translated into more than two dozen languages. Prior to embarking on her literary career, Thúy was a lawyer, translator and restaurant owner.

Monday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. - Faculty of Arts and Science

Robert Calderisi 

For his contribution to international economic development

A Rhodes scholar who pursued graduate work at Oxford, the University of Sussex and the University of London, Robert Calderisi forged a distinguished career in international economic development, with a particular focus on Africa.

After serving with the Canadian International Development Agency and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Calderisi went on to a number of high-ranking posts with the World Bank.

He is the author of The Trouble with Africa: Why Foreign Aid Isn’t Working and Earthly Mission: The Catholic Church and World Development.

Tuesday, June 6, 10 a.m. – John Molson School of Business

J. Sebastian van Berkom

For his philanthropy and his leadership in the financial sector

J. Sebastian van Berkom is president and CEO of the small-cap portfolio management firms Van Berkom and Associates Inc. and Van Berkom Golden Dragon Limited of Hong Kong. He has made significant donations to spur research into treatments and cures for neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, and to support work in social pediatrics at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Van Berkom founded and funded the Van Berkom Endowed Chair in Small-Cap Equities, the Van Berkom Small-Cap Case Competition, and the Van Berkom Small-Cap Investment Management Program, all at Concordia’s John Molson School of Business. The Van Berkom Small-Cap Investment Management Program gives qualifying students the opportunity to learn how to invest real money in North American small-cap companies.

Van Berkom’s donation to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts spearheaded the institution’s permanent acquisition of the colourful blown-glass sculpture The Sun, created by Dale Chihuly, that stands outside the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion.

Kenneth W. Woods

For his community activism, philanthopy and investment expertise

Kenneth W. Woods (MBA 75) is founding president of Coolwoods Investments Ltd. He established the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program at the John Molson School of Business (JMSB), providing students with the extraordinary opportunity of managing an actual investment portfolio that has grown significantly over 17 years.

As director of his family’s foundation, Woods has also been a generous supporter of several hospitals as well as organizations that benefit the arts, youth programs and educational initiatives. In 2001, Woods was presented with a JMSB Award of Distinction for his outstanding contributions to the community and the world of business.

Tuesday, June 6, 3 p.m. – John Molson School of Business

Lise Watier, O.C., G.O.Q.

For her business acumen and philanthropy

Lise Watier is the founder of the cosmetics company which bears her name. Since its creation in 1972, Watier has kept the firm at the forefront of scientific research, drawing on the benefits of botanicals to enhance the company’s product lines. She presided over its activities for more than 40 years, developing the brand into one of Canada’s leading companies in its field

In 2009, she established the Lise Watier Foundation whose current mission is to help girls and women achieve financial autonomy. S’entreprendre operates three programs that support girls and women to ensure they are able to return to school, re-enter the job market or succeed as entrepreneurs.

Wednesday, June 7, 10 a.m. – Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Jahangir Mohammed

For his pioneering work on the Internet of Things

In 2004, Jahangir Mohammed founded Jasper Technologies, and served as its CEO for over a decade. Under his leadership Jasper pioneered a technology platform that has become the world’s leading Internet of Things (IoT) platform enabling everday things ranging from cars and homes to pacemakers and parking meters, to get connected and provide higher utility for people and businesses.

In 2016, computer giant Cisco acquired Jasper Technologies as the central element of its cloud-based software platform to connect the world’s physical things into an Internet of Things system.

Wednesday, June 7, 3 p.m. – Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

David A. Martin OBE

For his significant contributions to the field of educational technology

Martin is co-founder, chairman and chief technology officer of Nureva Inc., a technology company that develops collaborative tools for educators and business professionals. A technology pioneer, Martin also co-founded SMART Technologies Inc. and created the SMART Board, the world’s first interactive whiteboard.

Martin’s efforts have had a profound impact on teaching and learning worldwide. In 2013, he was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his significant contributions to education.

Wednesday, June 7, 7:30 p.m. – Faculty of Fine Arts

Measha Brueggergosman

For her distinguished musical career and commitment to charitable organizations

Critics from The New York Times and Opera News have praised Measha Brueggergosman’s dramatic and vocal talent. Her repertoire ranges from classical and opera through cabaret to popular music.

The New-Brunswick-born singer performed the Olympic Hymn at the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Brueggergosman is a dedicated supporter of the African Medical and Research Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund and the Canadian Learning Through the Arts program.