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The nine recipients of U of T's 2026 honorary degrees.
← Honours · U of T, September 2026

Nine Honorary Degrees for 2026

U of T will confer honorary degrees on nine leaders at its 2026 convocation ceremonies, including four-time Olympic medallist Senator Marnie McBean and Marion Buller, the first Indigenous woman appointed to B.C.'s provincial court, who led the MMIWG inquiry. "These nine exceptional individuals exemplify excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to public service," says President Melanie Woodin. The honorees also include Indigenous knowledge keeper Eileen Antone and broadcaster Jesse Wente.

Alumni Digest desk · from U of T Alumni News
Above: The nine recipients of U of T's 2026 honorary degrees. Photo: Supplied image; John Paillé; The Gairdner Foundation; Elvis Bayley; Tobias Wang; George Pimentel; © Senate of Canada / © Sénat du Canada

Marion Buller, chief commissioner of the MMIWG inquiry, led the report Reclaiming Power and Place and initiated the First Nations Court in B.C. Eileen Antone, an Oneida of the Thames First Nation – Turtle Clan member, served as special adviser on Indigenous Affairs in the Faculty of Arts & Science. Jesse Wente was a CBC film and culture critic for more than 20 years, founded the Indigenous Screen Office and chaired the Canada Council for the Arts.

Also honoured: Jennifer Bernard, president and CEO of the SickKids Foundation; Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario's longest-serving lieutenant-governor and a former UN undersecretary general; film producer Martin Katz, whose credits include Hotel Rwanda and A Dangerous Method; developmental biologist Janet Rossant, who leads the Gairdner Foundation; and philanthropist Gregory David, who gives through the Rossy Foundation and the David Family Foundation.

The nine honorees will address graduating students at U of T's spring and fall 2026 convocation ceremonies.

A composite photo of nine headshots of honorary degree recipients
Photo: Supplied image; John Paillé; The Gairdner Foundation; Elvis Bayley; Tobias Wang; George Pimentel; © Senate of Canada / © Sénat du Canada
A composite photo of nine headshots of honorary degree recipients
Photo: Supplied image; John Paillé; The Gairdner Foundation; Elvis Bayley; Tobias Wang; George Pimentel; © Senate of Canada / © Sénat du Canada

Reported from Convocation 2026: U of T to confer honorary degrees on nine inspiring individuals, by Adina Bresge (U of T Alumni News, March 11, 2026).

More from the original reporting: alumni.utoronto.ca/news/convocation-2026-honorary-degrees

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