(Halifax) – Poet Lorna Crozier, Sociologist Arlie Hochschild, and Soprano Suzie LeBlanc will be recognized with honorary degrees at the Mount’s Spring Convocation, May 16-17. Distinguished leader Dr. E. Margaret Fulton will also be celebrated in absentia as she is bestowed the title of President Emerita for contributions as Mount President from 1978 to 1986.

“We’re proud to share our Spring Convocation with these accomplished women,” says Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Mount. “Their commitment to education and their leadership in their fields will serve as inspiration for our graduates as they move forward in their careers, both professional and academic.”

About the Honorary Degree Recipients

Lorna Crozier cropped B&W

Lorna Crozier is a poet, essayist, and distinguished professor at the University of Victoria. Author of 18 books and editor of two books of essays, Crozier has earned several national awards for her contribution to Canadian literature including a Governor General’s Award and Pat Lowther Award for her 1992 collection Inventing the Hawk.

Her poems have been translated into many languages from Polish to Chinese. She has read her poetry for Queen Elizabeth II and to audiences on every continent except Antarctica.

Arlie Hochschild cropped B&W

Sociologist Arlie Hochschild, BA, MA, PhD, has devoted her career to understanding the social and cultural effects on emotion. As a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and an early leader of the women’s movement, she published eight books on emotional engagement, women’s issues, and family dynamics.

She is the winner of the A.S.A. Jessie Bernard Award, and the 2000 Public Understanding of Sociology Award for lifetime achievement.

Suzie LeBlanc cropped B&W

Acadian soprano Suzie LeBlanc has graced stages throughout North America, Europe and Japan, specializing in Baroque and Classic repertoire with leading early music ensembles in concert, opera, studio recordings and film. Her performance in Rodrigue Jean’s 2008 film Lost Song was widely celebrated as the project went on to be named one of Canada’s Top Ten films of 2008 at the Toronto International Film Festival. LeBlanc has been running her own opera company since 2005, acting as artistic director of Le Nouvel Opera.

Dr. E. Margaret Fulton to be named President Emerita

Once Canada’s only woman university president, Dr. E. Margaret Fulton, OC will be recognized with the title President Emerita for her monumental contributions to the Mount. Fulton led as President from 1978 to 1986 and continues to play an important role in shaping the university’s long-standing commitment to the advancement of women. The title President Emerita is bestowed upon Presidents of Mount Saint Vincent University who have retired from the position of President and who have rendered exceptionally distinguished service to the University during their term of office.

Convocation Ceremony Details

Convocation ceremonies will be held May 16-17 in the Seton Academic Centre Auditorium at Mount Saint Vincent University. Lorna Crozier will be honoured during the Thursday morning ceremony (May 16, 10:00 a.m.), Arlie Hochschild on Thursday afternoon (May 16, 2:00 p.m.), and Suzie LeBlanc on Friday morning (May 17, 10:00 a.m.). The Mount Convocation ceremonies will be streamed live on the University website.

About Mount Saint Vincent University
Recognized as a leader in flexible education, applied research, and a personalized approach to education, Mount Saint Vincent University has been nationally recognized among undergraduate universities in Canada for our success in Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grants and for having one of the lowest student-to-professor ratios. The Mount is committed to being a model of creative teaching and research that nurtures socially responsible global citizens. For additional information about the University, visit msvu.ca.

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For more information:
Ben Boudreau, Public Affairs
t: (902) 457-6439 c: (902) 441-0505
ben.boudreau@msvu.ca