UVic confers honorary degrees on seven achievers

A world renowned conductor of choral music, a well-known Canadian actor, and an internationally acclaimed musician are among the seven outstanding individuals who will be awarded honorary degrees at the University of Victoria's 1999 spring convocation, June 2-4.

The seven honorary degree designates are (by ceremony):

Flutist Paul Horn (June 2, 9:30 a.m.), a versatile and widely popular recording artist whose creativity ranges from classical to jazz. The Victoria resident is hailed internationally as "a founding father of New Age music," and has two Grammy awards to his credit. Horn will perform at convocation. (Doctor of Fine Arts)

Sir David Willcocks (June 2, 9:30 a.m.), generally regarded as the world's pre-eminent conductor and teacher of choral music. He is president of the Royal College of Organists and director of the Royal Conservatory of Music in London, England. (Doctor of Music)

Note: At a free concert on June 1, 7:30 p.m. in UVic's University Centre Farquhar Auditorium, Willcocks will conduct a gala choir made up of the CapriCCio Vocal Ensemble, the Linden Singers and the UVic Chamber Singers.

Economist Thomas Shoyama (June 2, 2 p.m.), who spent most of his career in the public service, rising to the position of federal deputy minister of finance. Among his many honours are the Order of Canada and the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the government of Japan. (Doctor of Laws)

Mavor Moore (June 3, 9:30 a.m.), playwright, actor, poet, essayist, and prominent cultural activist, who has done much to advance the arts in Canada. He is currently chair of the B.C. Arts Council and a research professor without stipend at UVic. (Doctor of Letters)

Byung-Hwa Cho (June 3, 2 p.m.), South Korea's most famous and widely read poet, as well as a painter, essayist, academic and administrator. He is currently president of the Korean Academy of the Arts. (Doctor of Letters)

Edward Irving (June 4, 9:30 a.m.), one of the world's leading authorities on paleomagnetism --the study of the remnant magnetism of rocks. Irving, who lives in Sidney, B.C., is an emeritus scientist with Natural Resources Canada, where he worked for much of his career. (Doctor of Science)

Tom Jackson (June 4, 2 p.m.), singer, actor and humanitarian. Perhaps best recognized for his role on the CBC series North of 60, he is equally well known in charitable circles for creating the Huron Carole series of benefit concerts that raises almost $200,000 annually for Canada's food banks. Jackson will perform at convocation. (Doctor of Laws)

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