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The University of Ottawa celebrates its graduates and honours leading Canadian diplomat
OTTAWA, October 28, 2010 — More than 1400 students will receive their diplomas at the University of Ottawa’s two Fall 2010 Convocation ceremonies. The new graduates will be joined by a leading Canadian diplomat, Robert Fowler, who will be receiving an honorary doctorate from the University.
In a public service career spanning 38 years, Robert Fowler served as an advisor on foreign policy and development to Prime Ministers Trudeau, Turner and Mulroney, and deputy minister of national defence. In addition to serving the longest term as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, he served as ambassador to Italy and to three UN food agencies, “sherpa” to the Kananaskis G8 summit and as personal representative for Africa for Prime Ministers Chrétien, Martin and Harper. Retired from the public service since 2006, he is now Senior Fellow in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. Robert Fowler was named UN special envoy to Niger in 2008. During his mission, he was kidnapped by al Qaeda and held for 130 days in the Sahara Desert. To this day, he remains an outspoken advocate of the importance of foreign policy and Canada's engagement with Africa.
The honorary doctorate ceremony will take place approximately a half hour after the 9:30 a.m. convocation begins.
WHAT: Fall 2010 Convocation and honorary doctorate ceremonies
WHEN: Sunday, October 31, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 53 Elgin Street, Ottawa
On October 5, the University of Ottawa also conferred an honorary doctorate on Michelle Bachelet. In 2006, Michelle Bachelet became the first woman to be elected as president of Chile, despite the country's staunchly conservative character. After surviving the Pinochet regime, living in exile and fighting successfully to restore democracy in Chile, Michele Bachelet, a physician by profession, was appointed to several high-level positions in the Chilean government. As president, she bolstered Chile's international relations, reinvigorated the country's economy and established a sturdy social security system. Currently the head of UN Women, she stands as a symbol of hope and change for women in Chile and around the world.
For more information on Fall Convocation, visit the Convocation website.
