A French religious sister breaking historic ground at the Vatican and two distinguished St. Michael’s alumni are this year’s recipients of honorary degrees from the University of St. Michael’s College.
For more than 50 years, St. Michael’s has been awarding honorary degrees, employing its statutory right as an independent university to recognize individuals who embody its mission to advance academic excellence and leadership in society in service to the common good.
This year, Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Tony Comper, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Montreal, and Victor Dodig, current President and CEO of CIBC, will receive the University’s highest honour. Sr. Becquart and Mr. Comper will be honoured at Convocation on November 9th, with Sr. Becquart receiving a Doctor of Divinity and Mr. Comper receiving a Doctor of the University. Mr. Dodig will receive a Doctor of the University degree at the SMC Invocation ceremony for the incoming first-year class in August, just prior to the start of the new academic year.
Sr. Nathalie Becquart‘s mission has largely focused on youth and synodality. In 2021, Pope Francis appointed Sr. Becquart, a member of the Congregation of the Xaviėres, as the undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, making her one of the highest-ranking women in the Vatican.
Alumnus Tony Comper (SMC 6T6), has shared generously of his time and talents with a number of organizations and charities, including serving as vice-chair of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. That generosity includes offering invaluable counsel to University President David Sylvester, insights gleaned from his many years guiding BMO. His passion for study of the mediaeval world led to the establishment in 2020 of the Comper Professorship in Mediaeval Studies at St. Michael’s, a position currently held by Dr. Alison More.
Alumnus Victor Dodig (SMC 8T8) is one of Canada’s most articulate advocates for, and supporter of, new Canadians. He is also passionate about the student experience, having been a student leader, social convener, and athlete while at St. Michael’s. He’s driven to ensure that all students have access to the supports and opportunities they need, whether academically, socially, spiritually, or financially. In response, he and his wife, Maureen, have supported student scholarships, experiential learning programs, and the Dodig Family Student Commons.
“It is a privilege for St. Michael’s to acknowledge such visionary leaders, especially in the presence of our incoming and graduating students,” says University President David Sylvester. “Their principled engagement with the world reflects the core values of our university, and we look forward to celebrating publicly Sr. Nathalie Becquart, Tony Comper and Victor Dodig as honoured members of the St. Michael’s community.”
Learn more about Honorary Doctorates and Other University of St. Michael’s College Honours.