Oct. 15, 2020
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University is inviting members of the university community and the general public to nominate worthy individuals for honorary degrees and the Order of Wilfrid Laurier.

Honorary degree recipients are people who personify Laurier’s institutional proposition of inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. These individuals should reflect both the full diversity of Canadian society and the qualities that Laurier prizes, such as justice, sustainability, excellence, discovery, and courage. Honorary degrees are awarded honoris causa, “for the sake of the honour,” and recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions locally, nationally, and globally, such as:

• Leading academics and public intellectuals across the disciplines;
• Exemplary leaders in all fields;
• Outstanding artists and performers; and
• Community builders and philanthropists.

Honorary degrees are not awarded posthumously, nor to current Laurier faculty or staff, current members of the Board of Governors or Senate, or active politicians. For more information and a list of past recipients, see Honorary Degrees.

Order of Wilfrid Laurier recipients are people who have a record of exemplary and distinguished service to the university. The award is available to any current or former member of the university, and to those representing the university in the community. Orders of Wilfrid Laurier are not granted posthumously. For more information and a list of past recipients, see Order of Wilfrid Laurier University.

Individuals selected for these honours are presented the award during a convocation ceremony and are invited to address new graduates. Nominations are received on an ongoing basis, with those received prior to November being eligible for the following spring convocation, and those received prior to February being eligible for the following fall convocation.  

To make a nomination, fill out and submit an online nomination form​. Nominations must include a letter signed by two nominators and a full curriculum vitae or detailed biographical sketch. Laurier’s Senate Honorary Degree Committee will confidentially review nominations. It is recommended that nominees not be advised of their nomination.