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Nine lives of work receive university honours
U of T's 2026 honorary degree recipients include Indigenous educators and legal leaders, a stem cell scientist and an Olympic rower.
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
The context
Where the work begins
U of T has announced nine honorary degree recipients for its spring and fall 2026 convocations. They include Indigenous education scholar Eileen Antone, SickKids Foundation chief Jennifer Bernard, former judge Marion Buller and philanthropist Gregory David. Former Ontario lieutenant-governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell is also among the honorees.
The takeaway
What follows
Film producer Martin Katz, Olympic rower and senator Marnie McBean, developmental biologist Janet Rossant and arts leader Jesse Wente complete the group. The university recognizes work ranging from Indigenous languages and access to health care to Canadian cinema and research ethics. Recipients are expected to address graduating students during the ceremonies.
Source reporting
Nine lives of work receive university honours
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
