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Honorary Degrees, Medals and Awards
Honorary Degrees
In conferring honorary degrees, the University seeks to honour individuals whose accomplishments demonstrate a standard of excellence that U of G hopes will inspire its graduates. The committee considers candidates from a broad range of categories, including the arts and sciences, business, public service, professions, and the voluntary sector, including long-standing or exceptional service to the University. The committee, from time to time, may recommend those whose outstanding contributions to their fields or to society have not yet been widely recognized.
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Bina Agarwal – Called one of the most important scholars of rural women’s lives of her generation, Dr. Bina Agarwal is a leading development economist who has dedicated her career to women’s empowerment.
Her pioneering work on gender and land rights, the centrality of women’s independent land and property ownership to their well-being, and the importance of farming in groups as a strategy to empower them is indispensable to understanding and tackling gender inequality anywhere in the world, including Canada.
Dr. Agarwal’s work has influenced international organizations and NGOs globally and was reflected in the landmark amendment of the Hindu Succession Act (1956) in 2005 that ensures, for the first time, equal rights for daughters to ancestral property in India.
Her work with grassroots women’s groups nationally and internationally has earned her many honours including being named as an Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit from the government of France.
Robert J. Burnside – After completing two degrees at the University of Guelph in the mid-1960s, Mr. Robert (Bob) Burnside founded the prominent consulting engineering firm R.J. Burnside and Associates Ltd. The employee-owned firm has grown into an international leader, with nearly 400 employees based at offices across Canada.
In 1999, he founded Neegan Burnside Ltd., a majority Indigenous-owned engineering and environmental services firm. This subsidiary is committed to helping Indigenous communities meet development and economic goals while remaining sensitive to culture, values and beliefs.
Among numerous awards for volunteerism, including longtime service with Rotary International and Headwaters Hospital Foundation, Mr. Burnside received a 125th Anniversary of Confederation Commemorative Medal honouring Canadians’ significant contributions to fellow citizens, community and Canada. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medals.
In 2015, U of G and its School of Engineering recognized Mr. Burnside’s mentorship of generations of engineers with the Engineering Medal of Achievement.
Valérie Courtois – A passionate and tireless champion of Indigenous leadership and nationhood, Ms. Valérie Courtois has made it her life’s work to support Indigenous Peoples in their rightful roles as stewards of their traditional territories.
A member of the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh in Quebec, she worked as a professional forester with the Innu Nation of Labrador on an award-winning, innovative forestry plan to halve carbon emissions.
As the director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, Ms. Courtois has worked tirelessly with partners of diverse political stripes to advance Indigenous governance and nationhood. She is leading the creation of a national network of community-based Indigenous guardians who serve as “eyes and ears” on the land and waters, strengthening Indigenous nations and maintaining environmental health.
A sought-after board member, panel moderator and speaker who weaves deep knowledge of Innu culture with training in western science, she emceed the 2019 closing ceremonies of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Rosalind S. Gibson – Dr. Rosalind Gibson’s extraordinary achievements in nutrition research and mentorship have improved the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. During more than 50 years in nutritional science, public health and policy, she has made significant contributions to knowledge of micronutrients such as iron and zinc and the health consequences of deficiencies in developing countries in Southeast Asia and Africa.
Previously a nutrition professor at the University of Guelph, she relocated as Research Professor to the University of Otago in New Zealand, where she continues to work.
Dr. Gibson’s classic textbook, Principles of Nutritional Assessment, is used worldwide. She has mentored a generation of nutrition scientists and practitioners in Canada, New Zealand, Ethiopia, Malawi and South Asia.
She has served as an expert adviser and consultant with leading international organizations, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN World Food Program.
Susan A. Gosling – Mrs. Susan Gosling’s vision and passion for conservation of plant biodiversity in Canada and experience with advanced biotechnologies led to the establishment of the Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP) at the University of Guelph.
GRIPP’s conservation model (CPR, or Conservation, Propagation and Redistribution) employs state-of-the-art technology to preserve plants and ensure restoration of endangered species in their natural habitats. The institute preserves endangered plant species, trains world-class scientists and promotes collaborative efforts with agro-industry.
Its CPR model has become a blueprint for restoration of plant species critical to ecosystems, forests, food security and biocultural resources of Indigenous communities in Canada and globally.
Mrs. Gosling has led important negotiations with international organizations such as Ferrero Canada to develop joint ventures between GRIPP and Ferrero Group to enhance hazelnut cultivation in Ontario.
She was named as one of the 150 Women for Nature in Canada for her transformative contributions.
Ottoline Leyser – Dr. Ottoline Leyser has emerged as an intellectual leader of the plant biology community and an advocate for women in science.
An eminent development biologist at the University of Cambridge, she has made major contributions to our understanding of the signalling pathway for the plant hormone auxin, including identification of the auxin receptor.
Along with her significant contributions to the discovery of the synthesis and signalling pathways of strigolactones, this work has revolutionized our understanding of the developmental regulation of shoot branching in plants, an important agricultural trait.
An award-winning researcher, Dr. Leyser has advocated for women in science and for the development of young scientists and has been at the forefront of the movement to improve public understanding of science.
A Fellow of the Royal Society, she was invested as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She chairs the British Society for Developmental Biology and the Royal Society’s Policy Advisory Group.
Henry A. Regier –Dr. Henry Regier has had a major effect on fisheries and aquatic ecosystem management worldwide.
His pioneering advocacy of the ecosystem approach in the 1970s became permanently embedded in both Canadian and American resource management agencies and was reflected in the statement of purpose of the 1978 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
During his 30-year career at the University of Toronto, Dr. Regier worked with provincial, national and international agencies, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Canada-U.S. International Joint Commission. He served five terms as a Canadian commissioner on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
His numerous groundbreaking studies included early work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. As a mentor and consultant with the Anishinabek/Ontario Fisheries Resource Centre, he advocated for significantly enhancing the role of Indigenous knowledge in natural resource management.
In 2009, Dr. Regier was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada.
Vikas Swarup – An acclaimed diplomat and writer, Mr. Vikas Swarup worked during more than 30 years of diplomatic service to strengthen Indo-Canadian relations.
His distinguished career in India’s foreign service included diplomatic positions in numerous capitals worldwide. As India’s High Commissioner to Canada and — unofficially — as a highly accessible “people’s diplomat,” he underlined the relevance and role of democratic, diverse nations in today’s world.
Mr. Swarup has been a strong supporter of the establishment of the India Research Centre at the University. That initiative followed on his long and distinguished association with the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, including visits to many universities in every region of Canada.
Mr. Swarup’s first novel, Q&A, written in 2005 was adapted into the award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. In that debut volume and two subsequent novels, he has portrayed India’s multiple realities and highlighted the struggles, hopes and successes of everyday people in the country.
Jean (Surgeoner) Szkotnicki – A University of Guelph alumna, Ms. Jean Szkotnicki is highly regarded for her leadership of the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) and as a trusted and respected advocate of animal health, agribusiness and the critical role of food in society.
As CAHI president for more than 25 years, she advocated for Canadian veterinary pharmaceutical companies and for meeting the health needs of food and companion animals. She has also been a champion for antimicrobial stewardship and the responsible use of antimicrobials in food animals.
Her One Health approach echoes a campus-wide strategic direction for teaching, research and outreach at U of G.
She has chaired the Canadian Animal Health Product Regulatory Advisory Board for Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. A member of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, Jean Szkotnicki has worked toward international harmonization of the regulatory approval process and federal licensing regulation for animal health products.
Virtual Presentations
These honorary degrees were conferred at virtual ceremonies in the fall of 2021.
Stephen A. Jarislowsky – A visionary leader in investment management, business and business ethics, and philanthropy, Dr. Stephen Jarislowsky has made important contributions to economic growth and stability, to culture and the arts, and to corporate governance and accountability.
The Jarislowsky Foundation supported by Stephen and Gail Jarislowsky has nurtured institutes and fellowships and has endowed over more than 40 research chairs in varied fields in Canadian and American universities.
The Jarislowsky Chair in Families and Work at U of G became the first academic chair in Canada to address the healthy integration of work and family responsibilities as critical economic and social policy issues. The endowment has enabled the Centre for Families, Work and Well-Being, now called the Live Work Well Centre, to conduct rigorous, policy-relevant studies of workplace policies and family supports and to launch new research into work and disability.
Among numerous honours, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors, has been inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and is a Companion of the Order of Canada and a Grand Officer of the Order of Quebec.
Marlene Truscott – An inspiring advocate for justice for the wrongfully accused and their families, Marlene Truscott devoted decades of her life to pursuing justice for her husband, Steven Truscott.
Her campaign involving numerous individuals as well as national media inspired Canadians to help right a long-standing wrong.
Ms. Truscott has worked with Innocence Canada to raise funds for other potential wrongful conviction cases and served as an adviser to producers of the movie Marlene and to the author of the bestselling book Until You Are Dead, which led to the official reopening of the Truscott case.
She helped establish and fund the Truscott Family Scholarship and the Truscott Lecture in Justice at U of G, both instrumental in supporting criminal justice and public policy students.
Marlene Truscott’s story is a testament to the power and capacity of one person to create long-lasting and profound change and serves as a fitting illustration of the University of Guelph mission to Improve Life.
Convocation and Graduation Medals
W.C. Winegard Medal
The Winegard Medal is the University of Guelph’s top convocation award to an undergraduate student. Named for former University of Guelph president Dr. William Winegard, the medal is awarded in recognition of both academic achievement and contributions to university and community life.
Nominees Akashdeep Grewal College of Arts Lucas Omazic Tiana Bressan Ana da Silva College of Biological Science College of Engineering and Physical Sciences College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Heather Bauman Ontario Veterinary College
D.F. Forster Medal
These medals are awarded annually to one convocating master’s student and one convocating PhD student who excel both academically and in extracurricular activities. Named for the late Donald Forster, a former president of the University, the awards recognize academic achievement, motivation, leadership and citizenship.
Nominees Nicole Smith College of Arts Danielle Nyman College of Biological Science Marshall Asch College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Emily Robinson Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics Bradley Howie Ontario Agricultural College Jordon Inkol Ontario Veterinary College
Doctoral Recipient Morgan Stykel
Nominees Cameron Fioret Michelle Mills Gloria Novovic Karthika Sriskantharajah Kathy Matuszewska
College of Biological Science
College of Arts College of Engineering and Physical Sciences College of Social and Applied Human Sciences Ontario Agricultural College Ontario Veterinary College
Governor General’s Academic Medals
Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third Governor General after Confederation, created these Academic Medals in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the nation. Over the years, they have become the most prestigious award that students in Canadian schools can receive. The Governor General’s Academic Medals are awarded to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs. Pierre Trudeau, Tommy Douglas, Kim Campbell, Robert Bourassa, Robert Stanfield and Gabrielle Roy are among the more than 50,000 people who have received the Governor General’s Academic Medal as the start of a lifetime of accomplishment. Today, the Governor General’s Academic Medals are awarded as Gold at the graduate level, Silver at the undergraduate level and Collegiate Bronze at the diploma level. Medals are presented on behalf of the Governor General by participating educational institutions.
Gold Medals Morgan Stykel Marieka DeVuono
Silver Medals Daniela Ana Maria Florea Sana Manish Gavarikar College of Biological Science College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics College of Biological Science
W.N. Vaughan Medal
Named for a former secretary of Senate, the Walter Vaughan Medal recognizes the contributions of a student member of Senate who has high academic standing and who has made a substantial contribution to the University, particularly through involvement in, and commitment to Senate activities.
Recipient Justin Mihaly University of Guelph-Humber
John Bell Award
The John Bell award recognizes outstanding contributions to university education at the University of Guelph. The award is made in honour of professor John Bell who served the University with distinction from 1972 to 1987.
Lincoln Alexander Medal of Distinguished Service
The Lincoln Alexander Medal of Distinguished Service honours an individual who has played a pivotal role in the functioning of the institution and who has influenced the quality of academic life at the University. Active members of faculty, staff and students are not eligible.
Recipient Wendy Millar
Medal of Merit
The Medal of Merit is awarded to a professor who has retired from the University of Guelph, and who has made outstanding contributions to teaching, the functioning of the University, or other areas which have resulted in substantial improvement to the academic life and character of the University.
University Professor Emeriti
The honour of University professor emeritus/emerita may be given to a retired professor who continues their scholarly association with the University. The prime criterion for nominations will be sustained, outstanding scholarship of such a level that it is recognized internationally.
Recipients Julia Christensen Hughes Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics Brenda Coomber Lawrence Spriet Ontario Veterinary College College of Biological Science
The University of Guelph approved the graduates in this program as of Friday, June 3, 2022. Graduands approved following this date will not be listed.
Awards, Scholarships and Prizes
College of Arts
MADELEINE LISA AVERY Printmaking Prizes LOUISE EMMA BALKWILL Crowley/Jackman Gold Prize in History EMILY NICOLE CUGINO Kip Hunter Prize KATRINA NICOLE FERGUSON D.C. Masters Prize in History KIANA GRACE EMILY GIBSON International Development Studies Prizes Excellence in International Development Studies Prize AKASHDEEP SINGH GREWAL David Murray Medal in Arts ROWENA HETHERINGTON-WILSON Friends of Music Book Prize KENZA FARAH JOOMABOCUS Nancy Stoten Honours Prize in French SABRINA ALEXANDRA MASTROIANNI College of Arts Medal BENJAMIN EARL ROSENBERG J. Percy Smith Drama Prize BOHAN SHIELDS W.S. Reid Essay Prize GRAHAM ELIJAH CULP STEINMAN Honours Music Prize Gloria Guthrie Memorial Music Prize ALEXANDER RIELLE THOMSON Gold Medal in English DAKOTA MORGAN URBAN Professor Victor J. Matthews Memorial Prize in Classics MORGAN HUALING WALMSLEY Jakob Amstutz Prize
College of Biological Science
KRISTEN ELIZABETH ASHWORTH Gary Partlow Prize for Leadership & Academic Excellence RACHAEL BRITTANY DEVENYI Linda S. Allen Memorial Graduation Prize RAVNIT DHINSA Dr. Peter Eyre Pharmacology and Toxicology Prize SANA MANISH GAVARIKAR Lynn Medal in Zoology EMMA MARIE GLYNN Bruce Holub Prize JADE GRACEY Pari Basrur Research Prize DENIKA HOPE Chair’s Prize in Human Health & Nutritional Sciences HANNA LEA JODOIN HK/HB Alumni Association Graduation Prize RASHMEET KAUR Dr. David Porter Memorial Prize in Physiology ANNE LALANDE H.O. Shackleton Memorial Prize LINDA NONG Bryant Family Research Prize AYVA ELIZABETH O’MAHONY Chair’s Prize in Human Health & Nutritional Sciences LUCAS JOSEPH OMAZIC College of Biological Science Gold Medalist ALICIA PLOURDE GIBCO/BRL Microbiology Research Excellence Prize MICHAEL ADRIAN PRUDENCIO-BRUNELLO Pari Basrur Research Prize BRETT MADISON STUDDEN Bryant Family Research Prize NIKOLA TASIC Dr. Ken Fisher Prize for Histology and Embryology CHAU N.D. TRAN Society of Chemical Industries Prizes: Biochemistry LENKA BEATRICE TRIVETT Gaskin Medal in Marine and Freshwater Biology SHAYLA GRACE VERBURG Chair’s Prize in Human Health & Nutritional Sciences TRAVIS JIANYIE WANG Bruce Sells Medal of Academic Excellence SARAH JANE YOUNG Bryant Family Thesis Research Prize
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
TIANA BRESSAN E.B. MacNaughton Convocation Prize TAYLOR ELAINE CHALMERS Society of Chemical Industries Prizes KENNETH CHAN Dr. Charles Capstick Graduation Prize GWYNETH ELIZABETH ERHARDT Helen Grace Tucker Design Prizes BRINNA LAUREN FITZPATRICK Helen Grace Tucker Design Prizes Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education Gold Medal MARCUS WALTER LECHNER Helen Grace Tucker Design Prizes GIULIANA EMANUELA LOWRY Helen Grace Tucker Design Prizes ANTON NAIM IBRAHIM J.B. Reynolds Graduation Medal in Physics College of Engineering & Physical Sciences Graduation Prize LINDA NGO Allison Kane Memorial Entrepreneurial Prize AIDAN THOMAS COYNE OTTLEY Helen Grace Tucker Design Prizes REZA PARNIAN Dr. James Linders Graduation Prize MEGAN KATE MADDOCK SMITH Helen Grace Tucker Design Prizes HARRISON SCOTT TIEMAN Pal Fischer Mathematical Science Graduation Prize KRISH KIRAN VALLURU Society of Chemical Industries Prizes SARAH ROSE VAN HEYST Helen Grace Tucker Design Prizes WILLIAM CALLUM WAREHAM J.B. Reynolds Graduation Medal in Physics ETHAN WATT Graduation Medal in Nanoscience
College of Social and Applied Human Sciences
NATALIE KATHLEEN AMLIN Lynn Dibblee Roblin Scholarship CAITLIN MARIE CLOUTHIER John F. Melby Honours Thesis Prize HALLE ROSE JENNIFER DE VALK-ZAISS International Development Studies Prizes TALYN LEA DOWDALL International Development Studies Prizes DANAH ALAA ELSAYED John Vanderkamp Magisteriate Graduate Medal ANA GONCALVES PLA DA SILVA James L. Mottin Prize For Academic and Extracurricular Excellence J.W. Skinner Medal in Social Science JUDAH GRAYSON HORNE Sociology & Anthropology Retiree Tribute Prize SOPHIA JIAOYING HOU Janet M. Wardlaw Medal Jean C. Bradley Memorial Prize Joan (Ellerington) Tanner Memorial Prize AHN Dietetic Prize EMILY MARGARET KERR International Development Studies Prizes HAIDEE TAKODA SCHEERS International Development Studies Prizes RACHELE NICOLE MAY SMITH Burnbrae Farms Prize in Applied Human Nutrition COLLEEN NICOLE STAPLES Political Science Prize of Excellence MEGAN JOY VAN DYKE A.M. Bell Prize
Gordon S. Lang School Of Business
DANIELA ANA MARIA FLOREA Lang Distinguished Scholar Medal - U/Grad Highest Cumulative Average ISABELLE ADORA GAGLARDI-KREIDER Canadian Association of Food Service Professionals Prize SHRUTI KUKREJA George D. Bedell Prize HAFA/HTM Alumni Association Recognition of Achievement Prize Bachelor of Commerce Leadership Prize
Ontario Agricultural College
NICHOLAS JAMES BANNON C.W. Riley Prize Class of ‘51 OAC Leadership Prizes GAVIN SLADE BRADY Dr. Ali Navabi Memorial Prize Halwell Mutual Insurance Agricultural Leadership Prize ZACHARY DAVID BUCHANAN W.H. Waddell Prize BRONWYNNE MCKEGNEY DAWES Joseph Arlen Memorial Prize MEGAN KATHERINE DUCHESNE School of Environmental Sciences Achievement Prize KYLE GRAHAM FARQUHARSON Halwell Mutual Insurance Agricultural Leadership Prize Samuel Carr Prize LAURA CHRISTINA HANLEY O.A.C. Centennial Graduate Prizes Charles McGowan Memorial Prize J.M. Christie Prize ORESTA SOPHIA IRENE HEWRYK Class of ‘51 OAC Leadership Prizes Jim Jackson College Royal Leadership Prize TIFFANY JENNIFER HUBERTS Ross Jones Memorial Prize CAITLIN ISABEL KROETSCH Dawn Morris Memorial Prize KATHRYN JORDAN KROEZE Beth Duncan Gold Medalist JUSTIN DANIEL LUTH Class of ‘51 OAC Leadership Prizes FELICIA SAMANTHA MAIOLO George I. Christie Prize GORDON JOHN MILLEY Bruce County Graduation Prize SCOTT ALEXANDER MOORE Class of 1933 Prize PAOLA ANDREA ROMO DUENAS Class of ‘51 OAC Leadership Prizes JULIA JAYNE SCICLUNA School of Environmental Sciences Academic Prize SADIE OLIVIA SCOTT Gary Putnam Memorial Prize KIMBERLY ANNE SECCO R.J. Watford Prize Westside Farms-Snyder Family Prize in Dairy Farming SNEHA SENGUPTA Class of ‘51 OAC Leadership Prizes Rosemont Scholarship in Food Sustainability TRAVIS JAMES SHIELDS Bruce M. Cohoe Prize LORRAINE ROSE VANDERMYDEN Kae & Gordon Skinner Memorial Prize Class of 1933 Prize TATIJANA MARIA VUKOVIC Victor Chanasyk Medal
Ontario Veterinary College
KEELEY ANNA BAKER Dr. W.J. Stinson Prize HEATHER ALYSSA BAUMAN Charles Duncan McGilvray Prize JORDAN LEE BUCHAN Ontario Pork Producers’ Marketing Board Prize NICOLE ANN BURCAR Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners’ Prize JAIME CHRISTINE DE RAMOS Jean MacDougall Primary Healthcare Prize VICTORIA ASHLEY DONOVAN Yvonne Balysky Prize MARINA KASHEVSKA-GOZDEK Aventix Animal Health Prize In Dentistry F.W. Schofield Prize Katherine Elizabeth Long DVM Memorial Prize ANDREA MELISSA LUNA Dr. Wendy Parker Prize in Clinical Dermatology (Aventix) LAURA MICHALOVIC Ogilvie Leadership Prize in Food Animals Dr. Bob Hayes Memorial Prize Small Ruminant Veterinarians of Ontario Prize STEPHEN MICHAEL ALAN MILTENBURG OVMA-Erie Herd Health and Population Medicine Prize Beef Farmers of Ontario DVM Convocation Award MARK WILLIAM ROSSI Peter Conlon Prize for Student Well-Being MICHAEL ANTHONY SCOLARO Dr. Samuel Downing Stirk Memorial Prize College of Veterinarians of Ontario Prize Gus Lagerquist Five “V” Prize LEAH RACHEL SLATER Hill’s Pet Nutrition Transforming Lives Prize EMMA JANE STACEY Mitchell Family Prize MORGANNA RAYE FERGUSON TURNER OVC 1986 Memorial Prize
