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UNB grants six honorary degrees during spring graduation

Author: Communications

Posted on May 24, 2012

Category: UNB Saint John

The University of New Brunswick granted honorary degrees to six outstanding individuals during its spring graduation ceremonies, May 16 to 18.

UNB Fredericton held its 183rd Encaenia on May 16 and 17.

Susan Chalmers-Gauvin received an honorary doctor of letters degree at Encaenia
 Ceremony A, on Wednesday, May 16, at 10 a.m. A senior executive with 20 years of management, consulting and organizational development experience, Dr. Chalmers-Gauvin is the founder and CEO of the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, New Brunswick’s largest performing arts organization. Placing a strong focus on artistic achievement, community outreach and market expansion, Ms. Chalmers-Gauvin initiated and administered groundbreaking work in business and export development, working to position Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada as a force on the national and international stage.

At Ceremony B, held on Wednesday, May 16, at 2:30 p.m. David Ganong, executive
chairman of Ganong Bros Ltd., received an honorary doctor of laws degree. In
 1977, Dr. Ganong became the fourth generation to lead the family business, which has been in operation for 139 years. Under his skilled leadership, the company doubled the size of its
business and now employs more than 400 people in North America. As a highly successful businessman, Dr. Ganong is an active board member for private companies, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. He chairs the New Brunswick Business Council and has been a dedicated volunteer in St. Stephen.

Fred Kaufman received an honorary doctor of laws at Encaenia Ceremony C on Thursday, May 17, at 10 a.m. He was one of the Kindertransport children evacuated from Austria just before the start of the Second World War. He ended up at the internment camp in Minto. After his release, he completed high school and earned a bachelor of science degree. He then worked as a reporter, a lawyer and for 20 years as a judge of the Quebec Court of Appeal.
 He became a member of the Order of Canada in 1992 and still works on complex cases from time to time when there is a sensitive investigation or miscarriage of justice.

At Ceremony D on Thursday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m., Armour (Ben) McCrea received an honorary doctor of science degree. He is the founder of Armour Group Ltd., a Halifax-based real estate development company known for the award-winning work it did on the Halifax waterfront. Since 1990, the firm has been responsible for just under half of all new commercial development in the Halifax municipal region. McCrea has a strong commitment to the environment and has been involved in many philanthropic initiatives.

UNB Saint John held its 38th Spring Convocation on May 18.

Thomas Crowther, past president and publisher of The Daily Gleaner, and one of Canada’s most respectable journalists, received a posthumous honorary doctor of letters degree during the ceremony. Dr. Crowther made significant contributions to his community, province and country not only as a citizen, but also with a distinguished military service during the Second World War.  His achievements in the areas of publishing, charitable organizations and support of the church community were outstanding and of great benefit. He worked in the newspaper industry in Saint John and Fredericton for over 58 years. He was a dedicated volunteer in many community organizations including the Anglican Church, Diocese of Fredericton; St. Peter’s Parish Church; Wiggins Boys Home; N.B. Protestant Orphans’ Foundation; Theatre New Brunswick; The Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation; Junior Achievement of Fredericton; and the University of New Brunswick. 

Julie Dickson, head of Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), Canada’s financial regulator, was named doctor of letters and addressed the graduates. Dr. Dickson has been an exemplary citizen with her outstanding service and leadership and has been referred to as the most powerful woman in Canadian banking. This quiet, unassuming Saint Johner has played an integral role in ensuring our nation’s banking policies have cushioned the Canadian economy.

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