Achi news desk-
Former Global Calgary news anchor Gord Gillies receives an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Mount Royal University.
Gillies is one of six prominent Albertans to be recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during spring convocation ceremonies next month.
“MRU Honorary Doctors of Law are, first and foremost, leaders and builders who have given back to their communities,” said MRU Acting President Dr. Chad London, announcing the names of the recipients.
The university said Gillies was recognized for his work in the news media, as an anchor at Global News Calgary and host of CHQR News.
Former Global Calgary and CHQR radio host Gord Gillies is receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Calgary’s Mount Royal University.
Global News
Born and raised in Calgary, Gillies attended Humber College’s radio broadcasting program in Toronto.
He worked in communities across Canada, including Salmon Arm, BC, Windsor, Ont., Kelowna, BC and Kamloops, BC, before returning to his hometown.
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Gillies’ time at Global Calgary lasted 25 years before moving over to 770 CHQR in August 2017 to host The Morning News. He retired from broadcasting in 2019.
Gillies is a familiar face on the university campus as his wife, Kandi, worked in MRU welfare services for many years, and his son, Liam, attended the university until his sudden death in 2020.
In a news release announcing the names of the honorary degree recipients, the university described Gillies as a “compassionate advocate for people struggling with addiction and depression, Gillies also encourages those suffering from grief deep, especially men, to seek counselling. “
Gillies said it was a “wonderful and humbling surprise” and said he was “delighted to be associated with such a great organization that has been such a big part of this Calgary boy’s life.”
Five other prominent Albertans will also receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from MRU. They include:
- Eleanor Chiu, chief financial officer of Trico Group, is described as a passionate advocate for community building and social entrepreneurship, having had significant, lasting impacts within her community.
- Wayne Chiu, founder of Trico Group, has taken advantage of his prominent position in the business community to promote social entrepreneurship, economic development, business innovation and accessible lifelong learning.
- Charles Osuji is described as one of Canada’s most recognized and decorated legal entrepreneurs who founded the largest and fastest growing Black-owned law firm in Canada, developing a diverse firm across languages, generations and cultures. At the age of 37, he will be one of the youngest to receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from MRU.
- Roy Bear Chief or Oom ka pisi (Big Coyote), social worker, residential school survivor, Siksika Nation elder, “Espoom tah” (helper) and former resident elder at Mount Royal University who uses his own story of resilience and perseverance to help make a difference in the lives of others and work to promote the importance of the Blackfoot language and culture.
- The Honorable Ron Ghitter CM, Canadian lawyer, businessman, provincial politician and parliamentarian recognized for his lifelong commitment to human rights advocacy, including the introduction of Alberta’s first human rights legislation while serving in the legislature of under the administration of Peter Lougheed.
“The recipients have achieved great things in their fields and we are honored to recognize their outstanding service, exceptional standard of excellence in their work and their contributions towards improving society,” said London.
The university convocation ceremonies will be held between June 12th and 14th.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
