Each year, the University of Toronto bestows honorary degrees upon individuals whose career accomplishments and acts of philanthropy bolster inclusive excellence and inspire learners and graduates.
The Arts & Science community were among this year’s recipients, including alumni and major figures who have supported the Faculty’s mission to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
David Andrews
David Andrews was the chief statistician at CTV News for nearly five decades, playing a critical role in overseeing accurate election result predictions. With more than 100 elections worth of experience, his contributions to the statistical sciences have earned him an honorary doctor of laws degree. Andrews earned his honours bachelor of science in 1965 as a member of University College. He also earned his master of science and PhD at U of T. He chaired U of T’s Department of Statistical Sciences in the Faculty of Arts & Science from 1984 to 1992, recruiting four scholars to the department who would later receive, COPSS Presidents’ Award, the world’s most prestigious award in statistics.
David Denison
David Denison is renowned for his visionary leadership as CEO of the Canada Pension Plan from 2005 to 2012. He’s credited with transforming the organization’s investment strategy and securing Canadians’ retirement income security. For this, and his work in the non-profit and profits sectors, as well as his unwavering commitment to U of T, he received an honorary doctor of laws degree.
The Arts & Science alum earned his honours bachelor of arts in English in 1973 as a member of St. Michael’s College.
Wesley Hall
Wesley Hall, known for his role as a wealthy investor on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, was honoured with a doctor of laws degree that recognized his business leadership, as well as his advocacy for equity and disrupting systemic barriers. Born in Jamaica, Hall grew up in poverty before immigrating to Canada. Through relentless hard work and dedication, he founded Kingsdale Advisors, focusing on helping companies navigate takeover bids. Inspired by the anti-racism movement of 2020, he also started BlackNorth, a partnership with the Rotman School of Management to fight systemic racism and enable Black business leaders. Hall also addressed the A&S community during a fireside chat with Dean Melanie Woodin last September.
Robert Houle
Robert Houle is an esteemed artist and curator honoured with a doctor of laws degree for his significant contributions that challenge the effects of colonization. His artwork, displayed in prestigious museums worldwide, combines Indigenous experiences and traditions with modern visual concepts. The eldest of 15 children, the member of Plains Ojibwa or Anishnabe Saulteaux spent his childhood in Sandy Bay First Nation and was later forced to attend residential schools. These experiences informed his artwork. Houle received the Governor General Award for the Arts in 2015. Considering Houle's significant contributions to elevating Indigenous people's place in art and culture, it was a fitting tribute for him to be honoured during University College's convocation for humanities and social sciences students.
Derrick Rossi
Derrick Rossi is a stem cell scientist and successful biotechnology entrepreneur who laid the groundwork for effective mRNA vaccines. He immediately recognized the potential to develop new treatments for disease and co-founded the biotechnology firm Moderna. For his ground-breaking scientific research that has been translated into effective therapeutics with global impact, and for his extraordinary contributions to global public health and biotechnology innovation, Rossi was honoured with a doctor of laws.
Rossi earned two degrees in molecular genetics at U of T, including his honours bachelor of science in 1989 as a member of Victoria College. Rossi, a retired Harvard University professor, made Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people in 2011.
Sara Seager
Sara Seager is a world-renowned astrophysicist and planetary scientist whose pioneering research on exoplanets has garnered international acclaim. A New York Times Magazine profile in 2016 called her, “The woman who might find us another Earth.” Seager was honoured with a doctor of science degree for her leadership in fields of astrophysics, planetary science and exoplanet atmospheres.
She graduated from U of T in 1994 with her honours bachelor of science degree in mathematics and physics as a member of University College. Now a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Seager was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 2020.
James & Louise Temerty
James and Louise Temerty, successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists, made the largest individual monetary donation in Canadian history by pledging $250 million to the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine. The couple was honoured with honorary doctorates for having generously supported Canadian institutions, including health care, arts and education. Their contributions have also benefited the Ukrainian community and addressed the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Through their convocation address, they encouraged graduates to pursue healing and embrace the future with empathy and virtue.