Honorary Degree recipients 2022

Honorary Degree Recipients 2022

Distinguished individuals from public service, arts, education, and science receive honorary degrees

On May 8 and 9, 2022, more than 800 graduates from Acadia University’s four faculties – Arts, Pure and Applied Science, Professional Studies, and Theology – received their undergraduate and graduate diplomas, joining Acadia’s more than 40,000 alumni worldwide. In addition, Acadia conferred five honorary degrees on individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service, education, and scientific research.

Colonel (The Reverend) Barbara L. Putnam (CD, MDiv ’95, DD ’22)

A senior Canadian Armed Forces officer, Col. Putnam is a Baptist chaplain serving in Ottawa. A veteran of Afghanistan, she works in the CAF's Restorative Engagement program, helping to transform culture relating to sexual misconduct.

Elder Lorraine Whitman (“Grandmother White Sea Turtle”, DH ’22)

President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), Lorraine Whitman works to preserve Indigenous culture and advance the well-being of all Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people, as well as their families and communities.

Dr. Vianne Timmons (OC, BEd ’80, DH ’22)

A noted researcher, author and lecturer in educational inclusion, Dr. Vianne Timmons, OC, is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Dr. Hans-Otto Pörtner (DS ’22)

Co-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel in Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II that is assessing the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change, Dr. Pörtner is informing the debate between science, policy and society to overcome the present societal inertia in the development and implementation of climate change solution strategies.

Michael Bawtree (DL ’22)

Michael Bawtree’s career as a writer, director and professor has led him to invest personally and professionally in diverse projects that build community through the arts.