Honorary degree and Order of the University of Calgary recipients announced for fall 2024 convocation 

Chancellor Jon Cornish and President Ed McCauley are pleased to announce the Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon. LLD) and Order of the University of Calgary recipients for the fall 2024 convocation ceremony.

The honorary degree is UCalgary’s 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 University of Calgary 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 Toyin Falola Annual Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora (TOFAC).

His contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Africanist Award, the Canadian African Studies Association's Lifetime Career Award 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 Kiipitakyoyis Grandmother's Lodge, 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 Awo Taan Native Women’s Shelter.

Her hard work and dedication have earned her several accolades, including the 2008 Distinguished Alumna Award and a Teaching Excellence Award in 2022. She has played a significant role within both the Calgary Board of Education and the Alberta Family Wellness Institute. Currently, she is developing a story guide to promote awareness and healing through Indigenous storytelling.

Order of the University of Calgary 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 Nursing Community Advisory Council.

In addition to this work, Shellian co-chairs the International Council of Nurses’ rural and remote nursing network. She has held leadership roles in the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses; the Canadian Association of Rural and Remote Nurses, which she helped establish; and the Canadian Nurses Association. Her influence extends to the Government of Canada Ministerial Advisory Board and she is also editor-in-chief of the online Canadian Nurse Journal.

Among Shellian’s many accolades are the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta, and the UCalgary Faculty of Nursing’s SPARK Award. 

Ken Lima-Coelho

Presentation – Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. ceremony

As president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, 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 Calgary Foundation 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 Community Achievement Award and Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal.