For several months, the University of Calgary has wished to confer an honorary degree upon McGill University professor Dr. Brenda Milner, one of the greatest neuroscientists of the 20th century. This honour would be in recognition of the scientific breakthroughs that she has led in cognitive neuroscience and her research in memory and temporal lobe lesions. It would also recognize her achievements over seven decades in teaching and in leadership.
Dr. Milner accepted our invitation but indicated that a trip to Calgary from her home in Montréal would not be possible. While Dr. Milner is a sharp and spry 97-year-old, she finds (as I do) that the airport/air travel do-si-do is fatiguing.
President Elizabeth Cannon and I were determined that somehow we would confer the degree. We discussed the situation with Dr. Suzanne Fortier (principal) and Mr. Michael Meighen (chancellor) of McGill University. Suzanne and Michael offered us an opportunity during their fall McGill convocation for me to present Dr. Milner with the honorary degree. What a brilliant and creative idea!
The McGill University convocation ceremony took place this morning and I was at Place des Arts in Montréal to present the honorary degree. From the podium, I mentioned to the assembled graduands that I am a member of the McGill University Medical School class of 1982. Dr. Brenda Milner stood out as one of my many great McGill professors. I recalled her fascinating lectures on neuroscience and memory. To my classmates and me, she seemed so down-to-earth and approachable, yet inspiring. We were privileged to be in the presence of an internationally acclaimed researcher.
I then read a citation that had been beautifully crafted by University of Calgary orator, Brian Smith, and presented Dr. Milner with the honorary degree. She received a well-deserved standing ovation.
McGill University Chancellor Michael Meighen, Honorary Degree recipient Dr. Brenda Milner and me.
Isn’t it great when a plan comes nicely together? I thank Chancellor Meighen and Principal Fortier for graciously allowing us to confer a University of Calgary honorary degree during this morning’s McGill convocation ceremony. I appreciate the planning and work of their staff to accommodate our request. Besides recognizing a great and deserving researcher and academic, this morning’s convocation ceremony was an opportunity to showcase interuniversity collaboration and innovative problem-solving.
Go Redmen! Go Dinos!
Bob,
That’s why you are such an extraordinary individual.
Out-of-the-box thinking, leadership, a can-do attitude, a humanistic focus and collegiality are the hallmarks of a great astronaut and chancellor, amongst many other outstanding positions that you have held throughout your storied career.
Cheers,
David