The three individuals being presented with honorary degrees at this year's Spring Convocation ceremonies at pilipiliĀž» share much in common: they're all Dal alumni, they've all got Nova Scotia roots, and they've all exhibited a penchant for innovation during their careers.Ģż
Honorary degrees represent the university's highest form of recognition and are awarded to individuals who've demonstrated inspirational leadership in, or in service to, society, outstanding contribution to a field or discipline, and/or outstanding contributions to the university.
Their accomplishments are meant to inspire graduates and reflect the character and values of the university.
Honorary degree presentations will take place at three of the 21 Convocation ceremonies at pilipiliĀž» this spring. Proceedings begin on Friday, May 30, with a brief pause before resuming from June 9-19.
Learn more about this year's ceremonies on Dal's Convocation website.Ģż
Dr. Franklin Sim
Medical innovator, teacher, humanitarian
Friday, May 30, 10 a.m. ceremony
When Dr. Franklin Sim's team at the Mayo Clinic devised a new form of treatment for musculoskeletal tumours in the 1970s, surgeons from around the world flocked to Rochester, Minnesota to learn techniques that could spare patients amputation and death. The Nova Scotian-born Dal alum (BSC'60, MD'65) forged a path as a world-renowned pioneer in the rapidly growing field of orthopedic oncology while balancing a thriving clinical and surgical practice and vigorous research and teaching career in the U.S. and abroad. Regularly ranked as one of Americaās top doctors, Dr. Sim has trained more than 50 cancer-focused orthopedic surgeons globally, helped countries including Singapore, China, and Taiwan develop programs for musculoskeletal tumours, and authored more than 500 scientific citations, 200 book chapters, and eight books. An Emeritus Professor at the Mayo Clinic, his honours include the top service awards from both the American and Canadian Orthopedic Associations and, in 2012, the AAOS Diversity Award for his support for women and racialized groups in a field long dominated by men.
Paul Gauthier
Entrepreneur, digital thought-leader, environmental champion
Wednesday, June 18, 9 a.m. ceremony
Many in our newest class of graduates have never known a world without the internet āĢżwhich means their world has been forever shaped by the work of entrepreneur Paul Gauthier. A Dalhousie Computer Science graduate (BScā94) who grew up in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Gauthierās PhD research at UC Berkley on computer clustering turned into Inktomi, a company that went on to provide the back-end support for every leading search engine of its time, from Yahoo to AOL. He later went on to become chief technology officer at Groupon, is currently founder and CEO of software engineering firm Aider AI, and continues to invest in and support emerging startups and technology companies to this day. Back home in Nova Scotia, heās remained a vital benefactor to many local causes including launching the Cole Harbour Foundation, which supports children and youth in the community, and instigating the 100 Wild Islands campaign to protect the natural beauty of Nova Scotiaās Eastern Shore.
Karen Hudson
Educator, community leader and advocate for Africentric learning in Nova Scotia
Wednesday, June 18, 4 p.m. ceremony
The greatest educators not only shape lives but help forge new pathways for learners now and into the future. As a teacher, principal, and community advocate, Karen Hudson has been forging paths for Nova Scotia learners for nearly three decades. Currently principal of Auburn Drive High School in Cole Harbour, she made history by establishing the provinceās first Africentric Math Cohort. Her commitment to community is showcased in countless ways, including as interim president of the Black Educators Association and as member on the advisory committee of the Indigenous Blacks & Miākmaq Initiative in Dalās Schulich School of Law. A Dalhousie alum (BA'88, BEd'91, MESā01) whose master's thesis focused on environmental racism in the Preston area, her many awards and honours include a 100 Accomplished Black Canadian (ABC) Woman Award in 2024 and being named one of Canadaās Outstanding Principals in 2019.