Honorary degree recipients

This page features only a selection of 50 years of granting honorary degrees.

See a full list in alphabetical order

Edward Rosenthal

For ethical, future-focused innovation in agriculture

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Edward Rosenthal in November 2023 for his work in ethical, future-focused innovation in agriculture.

Vikas Swarup

For literary excellence and dedication to diplomacy

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Vikas Swarup in November 2023 for his literary excellence and dedication to diplomacy.

Charlie Kawwas

For his inspirational determination and transformative leadership in global technology

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Charlie Kawwas in June 2025

Margie Gillis OC., CQ (DFA 20)

For her contributions to modern dance, teaching and activism

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Nathalie Petrowski in June 2022 for her her contributions to modern dance, teaching and activism

Barbara Davidson

For her impact capturing the human condition in photographs

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Barbara Davidson in November 2019 for her impact capturing the human condition in photographs.

Lady Mireille Gillings, PhD., Hon DSc.

For her visionary leadership in the biotechnology and philanthropic sectors

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Lady Mireille Gillings in June 2022 for her visionary leadership in the biotechnology and philanthropic sectors

David Keith, PhD

For his forward-looking research on solar geoengineering and climate mitigation

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon David Keith in June 2022 for his research on solar geoengineering and climate mitigation

Olivette Otele, PhD

For her leadership on equity issues through scholarship and service

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Olivette Otele in June 2022 for For her leadership on equity issues through scholarship and service.

David Fung, PhD

For developing sustainable industries around the globe

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon David Fung in November 2022 for developing sustainable industries around the globe.

Rodolphe Saadé, BComm 94

For his visionary, socially responsible business leadership

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Rodolphe Saadé in June 2023 for his visionary, socially responsible business leadership.

Annette Verschuren

For her vision and leadership in the business sector

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Annette Verschuren in November 2019 for her vision and leadership in the business sector.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan

For her inspired leadership, shaping futures through education, healthcare and cultural stewardship

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Princess Zahra Aga Khan in June 2025

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

For her visionary leadership in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in November 2024 for visionary leadership in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Elisapie

For her Inuktitut artistry and activism

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Elisapie in June 2023 for her her Inuktitut artistry and activism.

Lyse Doucet, CM, OBE

For her reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Lyse Doucet in June 2020 for reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity.

Leena Srivastava

For promoting sustainability and equity through scientific rigor and informed policy

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Leena Srivastava in June 2025

Farah Alibay

For being an inspirational role model in aerospace engineering

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Farah Alibay in November 2023 for her work to make STEM fields more inclusive.

My Thanh Nguyen

For his groundbreaking applied chemistry entrepreneurship and philanthropy

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon My Thanh Nguyen in June 2024

Julie Gichuru, LLB, MBA

For her pioneering journalism, peace advocacy and championing of African leadership

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Julie Gichuru in June 2022 for her pioneering journalism, peace advocacy and championing of African leadership.

Guy Cormier, MBA

For his business vision and social conscience

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Nathalie Petrowski in June 2022 for his business vision and social conscience.

Luc Maurice

For his entrepreneurship that creates a better life for seniors

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Luc Maurice in June 2024

James Temerty

For his entrepreneurial achievement and philanthropic leadership

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon James Temerty in June 2025

Eric J. Nestler

For his pioneering research on depression and drug addiction and his advocacy for equity, diversity and inclusion

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Eric J. Nestler in November 2020 for pioneering research on depression and drug addiction and his advocacy for equity, diversity and inclusion.

Sheila C. Johnson

For her social leadership as an entrepreneur

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Sheila C. Johnson in June 2024

Friederike Otto

For leading research, communication and justice work on humanity’s role in climate change

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Friederike Otto in June 2024

Fibbie Tatti, MA

For preserving and promoting Indigenous languages and culture

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Fibbie Tatti in November 2022 for preserving and promoting Indigenous languages and culture.

Frances Northcutt

For her work as an engineer and women’s rights advocate

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Frances Northcutt in June 2024

Dame Julia Higgins, DBE, FRS, FREng

For promoting diversity and inclusion in science and technology

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Dame Julia Higgins in June 2020 for promoting diversity and inclusion in science and technology.

Mallikarjun Tatipamula

For his major role in developing mobile technologies

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Mallikarjun Tatipamula in June 2024

Cecilia Conrad

For her visionary leadership promoting transformative philanthropy

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Cecilia A. Conrad in June 2025

John Sicard

For innovative leadership in technology and supply chain management industries

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon John Sicard in November 2024 for innovative leadership in technology and supply chain management industries.

Reshma Shetty, PhD

For expanding the role of synthetic biology in our world

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Reshma Shetty in November 2022 for expanding the role of synthetic biology in our world.

Francesca Bria

For her visionary leadership in promoting digital sovereignty and innovation

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Francesca Bria in June 2025

Douglas Sanderson - Amo Binashii

For his expertise and leadership in Indigenous and Aboriginal law

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Douglas Sanderson in November 2024 for expertise and leadership in Indigenous and Aboriginal law.

Nathalie Petrowski

For her contributions to Quebec’s cultural landscape

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Nathalie Petrowski in June 2022 for her contributions to Quebec’s cultural landscape

Connie Walker

For her groundbreaking journalism and commitment to Indigenous communities

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Connie Walker in June 2025

Denis Villeneuve

For his outstanding creativity and achievements in cinema

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Denis Villeneuve in June 2024.

Clarissa Desjardins

For her exceptional leadership and foresight in the biotech industry

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Clarissa Desjardins in June 2023 for her entrepreneurial success in the biotechnology industry.

Jennifer Flanagan, MBA

For empowering underserved populations through STEM programming

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Jennifer Flanagan in June 2022 for empowering underserved populations through STEM programming.

Lyse Doucet

For her reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Lyse Doucet in June 2024

Richard Felder and Rebecca Brent

For helping a generation of STEM instructors teach more effectively

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Richard Felder and Rebecca Brent in November 2019 for helping a generation of STEM instructors teach more effectively.

Anita Marangoly George

For visionary leadership in sustainable investment

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Anita Marangoly George in November 2023 for her visionary leadership in sustainable investment.

James McCully, BA 75, BSc 78

For his research advancing a variety of medical interventions

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon James McCully in June 2023 for his achievements in advancing a variety of medical interventions.

Lee-Ann Martin, Masters Museum Studies

For revolutionizing the study and influence of Indigenous art

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Nathalie Petrowski in June 2022 for revolutionizing the study and influence of Indigenous art.

Fabienne Colas

For promoting cultural diversity through the arts

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Fabienne Colas in June 2024

Deborah Estrin

For her pioneering health-related computer science research

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Deborah Estrin in June 2023 for her pioneering health-related computer science research.

Kathy Baig

For her commitment to the engineering profession and beyond

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Kathy Baig in June 2023 for her commitment to the engineering profession, inclusive leadership and strategic vision.

Serban Ghenea

For his outstanding achievements and impact in the recording music industry

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Serban Ghenea in June 2025

Sandra Chartrand, BA 85, and Alain Bouchard

For their leading role in philanthropy in Quebec

Concordia University bestows an honorary doctorate upon Sandra Chartrand and Alain Bouchard in June 2023 for their leading role in philanthropy in Quebec.

Nominations for honorary degree recipients

Review the selection criteria, eligibility and exclusions as outlined in the Policy on the Awarding of Honorary Degrees
Complete a nomination form
Send the form to Karan Singh, the Honorary Degree and Convocation Committee secretary.

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