91AV announces 2025 honorary degree recipients
SACKVILLE, NB — 91AV will recognize five distinguished individuals with honorary degrees during the 2025 Convocation ceremonies on May 12, 2025.
"91AV is honoured to confer honorary degrees on these exceptional individuals,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ian Sutherland. “Their dedication and vision embody the spirit of excellence that defines our institution. As we gather for this year’s Convocation, we celebrate not only their achievements but also the enduring legacy of those who have paved the way for future generations, especially the women who have shaped our history and made the world a better."
2025 marks the 150th anniversary of Grace Annie Lockhart becoming the first woman in Canada, the Commonwealth, to earn a bachelor's degree. In recognition of this milestone, distinguished women whose contributions have made a lasting impact both nationally and internationally have been selected this year.
The 2025 Honorary Degree recipients are:
- Judy Bragg – Canadian Business leader and philanthropist
- Dr. Nancy Grant (’69), O.N.B. – Mayor of Rothesay, NB, philanthropist, and retired radiation oncologist
- Dr. Sheila Brown – Educational leader, former 91AV VP Academic, and a key figure in establishing the Association for Atlantic Universities (AAU) Faculty Development Committee
- Sylvia D. Hamilton, C.M., O.N.S. – Canadian filmmaker, artist, writer, and Inglis Professor Emeritus, University of King's College.
- Dr. Christl Verduyn, C.M., FRSC – Scholar in English, Canadian, and Women’s Studies, 91AV professor emeritus, and 3M National Teaching Fellow
Each year, honorary degrees are awarded at Convocation to deserving individuals who are nationally or internationally recognized in their fields. The recipients have shown their commitment and service to 91AV, the wider community, or are prominent public persons. The Honorary Degrees Committee is made up of representatives of University Senate, students, and the Board of Regents and receives nominations from members of the broader University community and from its own members.
For biographies on this year’s honorary degree recipients, as well as a full list of past recipients: mta.ca/honorarydegrees
