Chancellor Jon Cornish and President Ed McCauley are pleased to announce the Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon. LLD) and Order of the ɫ recipients for the fall 2024 convocation ceremony.
The honorary degree is ɫ highest academic honour, acknowledging individuals whose outstanding achievements and contributions to the community deserve special recognition. The recipients will address the graduating class, sharing insights and lessons from their distinguished careers and leadership experiences.
The Order of the ɫ is awarded to individuals with a significant history of service to the university. Recipients may include current or former members of the UCalgary community.
Hon. LLD recipients
Dr. Toyin Falola, Hon. LLD’24
Conferral and address – Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. ceremony
Dr. Toyin Falola, PhD, a renowned Nigerian historian and professor, is internationally recognized for his work in African history, diaspora studies and cultural analysis, challenging Western perspectives on Africa.
He has authored more than 100 books and articles and lectured in more than 65 countries, his work making a significant impact on UCalgary through collaborative publications and major lectures.
Falola is an advocate, mentor, author, poet, leader and visionary. He has served on numerous editorial boards, led academic conferences and workshops, and engaged with UNESCO’s International Scientific Committee. Falola even inspired the (TOFAC).
His contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, including the , the Canadian African Studies Association's and several additional accolades from the University of Texas, where he teaches. Falola also holds African chieftaincy titles such as the Bobapitan of Ibadanland and the Bobapitan of Ondo Kingdom.
Elder Kerrie Moore, Hon. LLD’24
Conferral and address – Thursday, Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m. ceremony
Originally from Treaty 6 territory in Saskatchewan, Elder Kerrie Moore, BSW’03, MSW’04, has lived in Treaty 7 territory for more than 50 years. The UCalgary alum serves as an adjunct professor and advisor with the Faculty of Social Work, is recognized as an esteemed Elder in the , and is an accepted knowledge keeper and ceremonialist within several Elders' circles.
As an integrative psychotherapist specializing in intergenerational trauma and grief, Moore provides culturally relevant services in child welfare, education, justice and mental health. An active community contributor, she has volunteered for the past six years as a spiritual advisor for students at UCalgary's Writing Symbols Lodge and previously served as president of the .
Her hard work and dedication have earned her several accolades, including the 2008 Distinguished Alumna Award and a in 2022. She has played a significant role within both the Calgary Board of Education and the . Currently, she is developing a story guide to promote awareness and healing through Indigenous storytelling.
Order of the ɫ recipients
Barbara Shellian
Presentation – Wednesday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m. ceremony
Barbara Shellian, BN’79, MN’83, is a visionary in nursing with more than 50 years of experience in the field. She has served in various roles throughout her career, including staff nurse, educator, manager, clinical nurse specialist and, now, director of rural health for Alberta Health Services (Calgary Zone).
As a two-time UCalgary alum, she has also remained an integral part of the university community, contributing as an adjunct assistant professor and as a member of the .
In addition to this work, Shellian co-chairs the rural and remote nursing network. She has held leadership roles in the ; the , which she helped establish; and the . Her influence extends to the and she is also editor-in-chief of the online .
Among Shellian’s many accolades are the , a from the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, and the UCalgary Faculty of Nursing’s .
Ken Lima-Coelho
Presentation – Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. ceremony
As president and CEO of , Ken Lima-Coelho, BA’94, is a passionate storyteller and community-builder.
His commitment to community has been a constant throughout his career, echoing his active involvement in several UCalgary organizations in his time as a student. Now, with more than 25 years of experience, Lima-Coelho’s career spans various fields, including senior roles in broadcasting, at CBC Calgary, brand and fund development, and serving as vice-president of community engagement for YMCA Calgary and vice-president of development at the Glenbow Museum.
An active volunteer, Lima-Coelho serves as a board director with and is a founding member of the Calgary Chamber’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. His dedication to community service has been recognized through a and .
