The man credited with conceiving the idea for the Special Olympics, an acclaimed CBC journalist, a leading voice in Canadian arts and an internationally recognized curator and philanthropist will receive honorary degrees when The University of Western Ontario hosts its 298th Convocation in October.
The ceremonies are scheduled for the following days:
Frank Hayden
Thursday, October 27, 10 a.m.
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.)
A graduate and former faculty member of Western, Dr. Frank Hayden is credited with conceiving the original concept of the Special Olympics. His groundbreaking research in the 1950s showed that individuals with an intellectual disability were capable of fitness levels beyond what was previously believed possible.
Mary Hofstetter
Thursday, October 27, 3 p.m.
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.)
Currently the President and CEO of The Banff Centre, Mary Hofstetter also led Sheridan College and Stratford Festival through significant periods of change. Hofstetter, who earned her Master of Arts in English from Western, is considered one of the strongest voices for art and culture in all of Canada.
Heather Hiscox
Friday, October 28, 10 a.m.
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.)
The morning anchor of CBC News: Morning, Heather Hiscox has covered everything from political dramas like the 2005 sponsorship scandal to the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Hiscox, who earned a Master of Arts in Journalism from Western, also led CBC’s Olympic coverage in Athens, Greece; Turin, Italy; Beijing, China; and Vancouver.
John Schweitzer
Thursday, October 28, 3 p.m.
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.)
John Schweitzer is a world-renowned intertextual collagist and an independent curator whose unique style has captured the imagination of art lovers, collectors, critics and historians around the world. Also a devoted humanitarian, the Western alumnus was honoured with a National Citation for Philanthropy in 2005 by former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
