Convocation 2026: U of T to confer honorary degrees on nine inspiring individuals

Top row, from left:  Eileen Antone, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Jesse Wente, Janet Rossant and Jennifer Bernard (supplied image, John Paillé, The Gairdner Foundation, Elvis Bayley). Bottom row, from left: Gregory David, Martin Katz, Marnie McBean and Marion Buller (photos by Tobias Wang, George Pimentel, © Senate of Canada / © Sénat du Canada, supplied image).

An Indigenous legal change-maker. An Olympian turned equity advocate. A film producer elevating Canadian stories on the global stage. These are among the nine luminaries who will receive honorary degrees from the University of Toronto this year.

The honorees, many of whom already have strong ties to the university, will address graduating students at convocation ceremonies in the spring and fall.

“These nine exceptional individuals exemplify excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to public service,” said U of T President Melanie Woodin. “On behalf of the University of Toronto, I’m honoured to celebrate their truly impressive achievements and look forward to the wisdom and inspiration they will share with our graduating students this year.”

Here are U of T’s 2026 honorary degree recipients: 

Professor Eileen Antone (EdD 1997), a member of the Oneida of the Thames First Nation – Turtle Clan and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, is recognized for her impact on learners, educators and leaders at U of T and beyond as a transformative leader in Canadian academia and Indigenous education research. Having held several pivotal roles across the university, including special adviser on Indigenous Affairs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, she has promoted Indigenous knowledge-making and languages, uplifted Indigenous researchers and instructors and opened post-secondary pathways for Indigenous students.

Jennifer Bernard (BA 1990 NEW), president and CEO of the SickKids Foundation, is recognized for mobilizing philanthropy to improve access to health care, education and opportunity for underrepresented groups. A U of T alumna with more than 25 years of experience serving in leadership roles at major organizations, Bernard is committed to advancing equity and inclusion in health research through initiatives such as Women’s Health Collective, the Emily Stowe Society and the Black Women’s Healthcare Summit.

Marion Buller, a member of the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation and the first Indigenous woman appointed to the provincial court of British Columbia, is recognized for her change-making work in justice, reconciliation and Indigenous rights – including initiating the First Nations Court in B.C. As chief commissioner of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, she led the landmark report Reclaiming Power and Place, identifying systemic causes of violence and setting forth transformative calls for justice. She is currently the chancellor of University of Victoria.

Gregory David, president and CEO of GRI Capital Inc., is recognized for his philanthropic vision that has strengthened health care, education and mental health resources within Canada's universities and academic health institutions. Through the Rossy Foundation and the David Family Foundation, he has championed student mental health and wellness at U of T, supported advances in medicine and dentistry and fostered collaboration between the university and its hospital partners.

Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario's longest-serving lieutenant-governor (2014-2023), is recognized for her extraordinary lifetime of public service advancing civic engagement, sustainability and global citizenship. Her distinguished career transcends borders and disciplines, including serving as undersecretary general of the United Nations, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme and assistant deputy minister of Environment Canada.

Martin Katz (LLB 1984), one of Canada’s most prolific feature film producers, is recognized for shaping Canadian cinema and elevating it on the world stage as a producer, innovator and champion of the country’s creative industries. A Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law alumnus and president and founder of Prospero Pictures, Katz’s credits include critically acclaimed films such as Hotel Rwanda, Spider, A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis, as well as TV shows and documentaries.

Sen. Marnie McBean, a former elite rower, is recognized for her athletic excellence as a four-time overall Olympic medallist – three of them gold – as well as her tireless work promoting equity, human rights and ethical sport. She has worked to dismantle gender inequities, promoted safe participation and increased investment in women's programs, while championing LGBTQ2+ inclusion through the You Can Play campaign.

Janet Rossant, senior scientist emeritus at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and University Professor emeritus at U of T’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, is recognized for discoveries in developmental biology and stem cell research, and leadership in advancing biomedical science, research ethics and mentorship. The president and scientific director of the Gairdner Foundation, she has led numerous key initiatives at U of T, trained dozens of prominent researchers and helped build the field of regenerative medicine.

Jesse Wente (BA 1996 INNIS), a Toronto broadcaster, writer and arts leader who is an off-reserve member of the Serpent River First Nation, is recognized for his leadership in advancing Indigenous representation, storytelling and sovereignty across Canada's cultural institutions. From his more than 20-year-long career as a CBC film and culture critic to founding the Indigenous Screen Office and serving as Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts, his work has opened doors for countless Indigenous creatives, catalyzed difficult but necessary conversations, reshaped Canada's cultural landscape and led to a flourishing of Indigenous self-expression.

Originally published by U of T News