Convocation
51猎奇入口announces 2026 honorary degree recipients
Simon Fraser University is proudly bestowing honorary degrees on seven outstanding people making transformative impacts in their respective fields and inspiring the university鈥檚 class of 2026.
SFU鈥檚 honorary degree is the highest honour conferred by the university. These degrees are awarded to distinguished individuals in recognition of their scholarly, scientific or artistic achievement, or their exceptional contribution to the public good.
The honorary degrees will be conferred during convocation ceremonies in the spring and fall. For more information on this year鈥檚 convocation and the honorary degree recipients, visit the convocation website.
June honorary degree recipients:
Janet Austin
The Honourable Janet Austin has dedicated her career to advancing inclusion, civic engagement, and social justice in British Columbia. As the province鈥檚 30th Lieutenant Governor, she championed Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, promoted equity and diversity, and encouraged civic participation in democratic institutions. Previously, as CEO of YWCA Metro Vancouver, she expanded the organization鈥檚 impact, strengthening programs for women and families. Throughout her life, her leadership has bridged communities and institutions with compassion, dialogue, collaboration and respect.
Gordon Ball
A pioneering experimental physicist, Gordon Ball鈥檚 work has advanced our understanding of the fundamental forces of the universe. Since 1997 he has made landmark contributions to high-precision superallowed Fermi beta decay measurements at TRIUMF, Canada鈥檚 particle accelerator centre, providing critical tests of the Standard Model and guiding international research. As a leader, mentor, and innovator, Ball has strengthened Canada鈥檚 scientific community, inspired generations of physicists, and demonstrated the power of curiosity, rigor, and collaboration in advancing global scientific knowledge.
Ryan Beedie
A builder in the broadest sense, Ryan Beedie is a business leader and philanthropist who exemplifies how business can be a force for social good. As President of Beedie, one of Canada鈥欌�痩argest real estate development companies, he continues鈥痶o expand the business while听maintaining听a strong commitment to community investment. Through sustained support for students, universities, hospitals, community organizations, and more, he鈥痟as helped open doors for those facing systemic barriers, creating lasting community impact.听
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Gloria Gutman
A pioneering scholar and advocate, Gloria Gutman has transformed how aging is understood, studied, and supported in Canada and around the world. Through decades of research, leadership, and fearless advocacy, she helped establish gerontology as a vital interdisciplinary field, addressing critical issues such as elder abuse and gender identity inequality. A professor emeritus at 51猎奇入口, her work has shaped public policy, academic practice, and community care while redefining how societies respond to aging.
David Turpin
A distinguished academic, university administrator, and biological scientist, David Turpin has shaped Canadian higher education through scholarship, service, and institutional stewardship. One of Canada鈥檚 most experienced university presidents, having led both the University of Alberta and the University of Victoria, Turpin鈥檚 career reflects a lifelong commitment to collaboration, mentorship, research excellence and advancing knowledge across disciplines and institutions. He continues to serve the public good through voluntary leadership and advisory roles in science, education, and research.
October honorary degree recipient:
Charmaine Crooks
Charmaine Crooks is a five-time Olympian and influential sport and community leader whose impact extends far beyond the track. After representing Team Canada for nearly two decades, Crooks has dedicated herself to sport governance and athlete advocacy. She has held senior leadership roles within national and international sport organizations, using her platform to champion athlete鈥檚 rights and greater inclusion worldwide. Crooks鈥� career reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, integrity and empowering the next generation through sport.
[Note: The conferral of the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, has been deferred to June 2027.]
Maria Klawe
Maria Klawe is a mathematician, computer scientist and transformative academic leader whose career has advanced equity and innovation in STEM education. Former president of Harvey Mudd College and now president of Math for America, she has transformed institutions, mentored generations of students, and increased women鈥檚 participation in computer science. Through her scholarship, leadership, and advocacy, Klawe demonstrates how rigorous academic pursuit can coexist with social impact, inspiring communities and shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians.