On 19 October, the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University awarded an honorary doctorate of law degree to His Highness the Aga Khan in a joint conferral ceremony —a first for both universities. The honorary degrees, conferred together at a ceremony in Vancouver, are in recognition of the Aga Khan’s lifelong service to humanity, and the intersections of his work at UBC and SFU.
The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, was in Vancouver Friday 19 October to receive honorary doctorate of laws degrees from the University of B.C. and Simon Fraser University. “This is an historic occasion for both universities,” UBC president and vice-chancellor said ahead of Friday’s ceremony.
The University of Calgary (U of C) and the Aga Khan University (AKU) signed a memorandum of understanding to build the existing partnership between the two schools. The announced relationship promises to create more opportunities for student internships, faculty exchanges, and education and research collaborations. The schools’ partnership in the past has included programmes on more of a faculty-to-faculty basis, with initiatives available for U of C’s faculties of nursing, arts, graduate studies, school of medicine, and school of education. In a meeting with His Highness after he received his degree, U of C provost Dru Marshall said he was interested in developing programmes related to pluralism and expanding AKU’s research capabilities by comparing its work with the U of C’s.
University of Calgary President Elizabeth Cannon and Aga Khan University President Firoz Rasul have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate international co-operation toward advancements in human development, global health, social justice and pluralism. "This agreement builds on a long-standing, mutually beneficial partnership and lays the path forward to continued leadership and impact for many years to come," said President Cannon. "Both of our universities are committed to higher education and research that benefits the world, and we want to serve our communities as leaders, innovators and key contributors."
On 19 October, both the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) bestowed their highest honours on His Highness awarding him with honorary doctorate of laws degrees in one joint ceremony. SFU President Andrew Petter said it was truly a wonderful day to be able honour His Highness who so exemplifies the values of the two universities in terms of believing in education in the instrument for social betterment. UBC President Santa Ono said he couldn't think of no candidate who deserves this unprecedented joint recognition than His Highness.
Thanks to His Highness, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is home to a world-class garden and architectural jewel. The Aga Khan Garden is uniquely suited to such a task. In playing on the senses of touch, smell and sight, framed within disciplined geometric forms, the garden highlights the beauty of the natural world. In utilising principles of Islamic design and geometry through the play of shadow and light while drawing deeply from its Canadian setting and heritage, the garden embodies a profound commitment to pluralism on a physical plane.
Last week, the Aga Khan Garden was officially inaugurated by His Highness Alberta Lt.-Gov Lois Mitchell and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. The Aga Khan Garden, located at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden southwest of Edmonton, features an idyllic expanse designed for education, reflection and the promotion of intercultural understanding and harmony. "This garden is a testament to a province where differences are valued and diversity thrives,"said Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
Vancouver, Canada, October 19, 2018 – In an historic ceremony today attended by Her Honour the Honourable Lieutenant-Governor Janet Austin of British Columbia and Honourable Premier John Horgan, His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam (Spiritual Leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), was conferred with honorary Doctors of Laws – the highest academic award - from both the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU).
Vancouver, Canada, October 19, 2018 – In an historic ceremony today His Highness the Aga Khan was conferred with honorary Doctors of Laws – the highest academic award - from both the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU).
Thank you.
President Ono,
Your Highness,
Your Honour,
Premier,
Madam Chancellor,