In celebration of Huntington University’s 60th anniversary celebrations, which have been extended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, several Honorary Doctorates were conferred by the institution earlier this spring.
“We wanted to ensure, despite COVID-19, that some truly amazing people from our community, province and country, are recognized and honoured for outstanding contributions that have made society and the world in which we all live, a better place,” said Mary-Liz Warwick, Chair of the Huntington University Board of Regents.
Three local members of the Greater Sudbury Community were conferred with Honorary Doctorates of Sacred Letters for their tremendous commitment and contributions.
- Dr. A. Oluremi Odulana-Ogundimu, a renowned doctor, pediatrician, and life-long champion for multiculturalism and inclusion in Greater Sudbury.
- Dr. Scott Darling, for his work as an educator, community leader and passionate champion of local causes.
- Dr. Richard Rainville, for his tireless advocacy for the community and vulnerable populations and his work as Executive Director of Réseau ACCESS Network in Greater Sudbury.
“We are extremely proud, at a local level, to confer Honorary Doctorates of Sacred Letters upon Doctors Odulana-Ogundimu, Darling and Rainville – three distinguished community leaders who espouse the core values of our institution: academic excellence, civic leadership and community service,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University. “Each of these people have given so much to help others, they are examples for all of us to follow in an effort to help our community prosper and grow.”
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"I am extremely honoured to see my contribution to our community recognized by Huntington University with this Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters. Huntington is an institution devoted to providing opportunities for higher education for our youth and also fosters inclusion, acceptance, tolerance and diversity. It is a first class university and I am glad to be part of its legacy." - A. Oluremi Odulana-Ogundimu
"It is truly an honour to be a recipient of the Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters presented by an institution that is near and dear to me personally and holds the same core values as I do. My family upbringing taught me the value of contributing to the community whether through sports, church or various organizations. My career in education, working with and supporting students, has been very rewarding. I have been proud to be part of the Huntington family knowing how it is student-focused and how it nurtures civic leadership and community involvement as well as academic excellence." – Dr. Scott Darling
“I am humbled and truly honoured to be recognized with this Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters. Huntington University is symbolic with its compassion, outreach and core values that promote the betterment of our community and society as a whole. I am grateful to be recognized for my work and encourage everyone to do their part to ensure that the right to quality health care, and other vital social services, are preserved and delivered for everyone in our great society.” – Dr. Richard Rainville
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Several additional Honorary Doctorates were also presented separately as part of Huntington University’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Those recognized include:
Honorary Doctorate of Divinity
- The Right Reverend Dr. Richard Bott, 43rd Moderator of the United Church of Canada.
Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters
- Dr. Suzanne Dupuis – Blanchard, an academic, advocate, registered nurse and leader for aging adults and seniors across Canada.
- Dr. Dalton McGuinty - Ontario’s 24th Premier.
- Dr. Livy Visano – an award-winning academic and passionate scholar, Department of Equity Studies (Human Rights and Equity Studies Program), York University.
“We are so blessed to have such amazing people working every day to help others and to lift up our communities,” said Mrs. Bela Ravi, Chancellor, of Huntington University. “Recognizing the contributions of these outstanding citizens is a great way to conclude our 60th anniversary celebrations.”
The Honorary Doctorates were conferred earlier this spring during virtual ceremonies hosted by Huntington University. The official conferral of the Honorary degrees was conducted by Mrs. Bela Ravi, Chancellor of Huntington University, and Dr. Kevin McCormick, President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University. To learn more about the esteemed recipients, visit HuntingtonU.ca.