During its fall convocation ceremonies to be held on Sunday, October 20, Mount Saint Vincent University will recognize the achievements of several hundred students and bestow an honorary degree on Ruby Blois.
About Ruby Blois
Ruby Blois is recognized at home and abroad for her tremendous leadership in children’s and women’s health.
Ms. Blois graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1973 with her bachelor of science in nursing. She also attended Dalhousie University, the University of Saskatoon, and the Children’s Hospital School of Nursing.
A visionary leader, she rose to senior administrative positions at the IWK Health Centre including Vice President of Clinical Programs, Vice President of Partnership Development, and CEO of the IWK Foundation. While at the IWK, Ms. Blois established the health centre’s Department of Nursing Research, advocated for family-centred care, helped launch Canada’s first Telehealth Network, and with a team helped bring the IWK Telethon to Atlantic Canada – an event that raises millions each year for the treatment of sick children. Upon her retirement from the IWK, the Ruby Blois Nursing ResearchScholarship was established.
Ms. Blois’s sense of community is ever-present. She has contributed countless hours as a board member, volunteer and fundraiser to organizations including Brigadoon Children’s Camp Society in support of children with chronic illnesses, the North Dartmouth Outreach Centre, the Arthritis Society of Nova Scotia, the Single Parent Centre Spryfield, the Association for the Care of Children and Health, and she established the Youth Program and was involved in committee activities at Stairs Memorial United Church, among others.
Ms. Blois was also a founding member and managing partner of the health-care consultancy Health Care Change Management Associates Inc. that had associate status with Deloitte Canada. She chaired the MSVU board of governors from 1996 to 2001 and its ProjectTwenty12 Leading Women Committee, and was a recipient of the university’s 125th anniversary award for exceptional service. There is a room named in her honour in MSVU’s Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research.
Convocation Ceremony Details
Ms. Blois will be honoured during the convocation ceremony taking place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 20. Convocation ceremonies will be held in the Seton Academic Centre Auditorium and will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
About the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
MSVU recognizes distinguished individuals whose accomplishments are consistent with the mission of the university by granting the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) – an honour which can only be bestowed by the University Chancellor at the request of Senate. The university honours worthy recipients who have contributed to the betterment of society and humanity in any field, but in particular, improvement of the status of women, contribution to higher education, humanitarian and social service, involvement with and fostering of culture and the arts, or leadership in a field of endeavour. The convocation at which the degree is awarded is greatly enriched by the presence of honorary graduands who share the joy of the occasion.