Convocation 2021 looked a little different this year at Acadia University due to the global coronavirus pandemic, but on May 9, graduating students were encouraged to share in a virtual Convocation and experience messages from University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Peter Ricketts and seven Honorary Degree recipients. One of the featured guests to address them was former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Paul Martin. Martin, who served as Prime Minister from 2003 to 2006, delivered the keynote address at the virtual ceremony. “At Acadia, students are taught to innovate, create, and master any storm,” said Martin. “It will be today’s graduates’ ability to work together, in community, that will help lead us through the challenges ahead.” As Prime Minister, Martin succeeded in establishing plans to improve health care, reduce wait times, and nationalize early learning and childcare programs. He also reached an historic consensus to cut funding gaps in health, education, housing, and clean water for Indigenous people. As Finance Minister, Martin erased Canada’s deficit and recorded five consecutive budget surpluses while paying down the national debt. He was also influential in the development of Canada’s research and innovation agenda. In 2008, he and his family founded the Martin Family Initiative, a charitable organization committed to improving education, health and the overall well-being of Indigenous children and youth in Canada. “Acadia’s honorary degree recipients are excellent role models for our graduates. Each one is a distinguished individual who has made a significant impact in their community,” said Ricketts. “By recognizing their outstanding achievements with honorary degrees, we acknowledge them for their many contributions to society. Like them, we know our graduates will take their place in the world and make a difference.” Joining Martin as a recipient of an honorary doctorate for 2021 is recently retired senator and chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Honourable Murray Sinclair. An inspirational leader and advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples, Sinclair is the principal author of the Truth and Reconciliation Report of 2015, whose 93 calls to action provide the direction to reach a better understanding and relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Acadia also honoured two of Nova Scotia’s leading public health officials who helped Nova Scotia navigate through a global pandemic safely. Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, have showed outstanding leadership during a time of provincial crisis, and through their achievements Acadia recognized the amazing work of the entire Nova Scotia Public Health department. Patron of the arts and education and recent chair of Acadia University’s most successful fundraising initiative, Campaign for Acadia, Nancy McCain (’82) received an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding lifetime commitment to arts, culture, education and her alma mater, Acadia University.