RMC NR 11.09 - November 17, 2011
OTTAWA – The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, in his capacity as Chancellor of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) conferred 61 undergraduate and graduate degrees during convocation on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
“It’s a profound honour and a privilege to be at the Royal Military College of Canada to confer degrees on these great leaders and future leaders of Canada and the Canadian Forces,” said Minister MacKay. “RMCC is a great university and its graduates continue to distinguish themselves around the world.”
Also recognized with honorary doctorates were Brigadier-General (Ret’d) John “Jack” Cadieux and Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) John Desmond Gibson. BGen Cadieux’s Honorary Degree is awarded posthumously.
The Royal Military College of Canada is a longstanding national institution with a world-class reputation for training and educating leaders for Canada and the world. Given this reputation, and consistent with the practices of other academic institutions, RMCC periodically recognizes national and world leaders with honorary degrees.
BGen Cadieux had a distinguished career in the military as well as in the public and private sectors. BGen Cadieux was actively involved in higher education, including as a member of Faculty at RMCC. He later served as Commandant of the Royal Military College, Saint Jean, where he helped introduce a new program leading to the Bachelor of Administration degree.
LCol (Ret’d) Gibson is the essence of a volunteer citizen-soldier, serving continuously for more than 42 years. LCol Gibson’s volunteer work includes as a member and chairman of various committees of the St. John Ambulance and as a member of the Volunteer Lawyers Service. A graduate of the Royal Military College, he is also a strong supporter of the RMC Club and has held various positions, including as National President.
The decision to bestow an Honorary Degree rests with the RMCC Senate, an independent body whose function is to grant degrees and honorary degrees
- 30 -
Note to editors:
For more information contact: Capt Cynthia Kent, RMCC Public Affairs Officer, (613) 541-6000, ext 6484, cell phone (613) 449-7593 or email: Cynthia.Kent@forces.gc.ca
