Honorary Doctorates and Other University of St. Michael’s College Honours
Since 1969 the University of St. Michael’s College has awarded honorary degrees as its highest honour, using its statutory authority as an independent university to bestow doctorates on individuals whose achievements embody or advance St. Michael’s mission, vision, and values as a Catholic institution of higher learning. This page explains and distinguishes these from other honours the University of St. Michael’s College continues to offer, including honorary fellowships, and places on the Legacy Wall in Brennan Hall.
Honorary Degrees are awarded to individuals who have achieved world-class excellence and exceptionality over their careers in one or more areas consonant with the Mission, Vision, and Values of USMC. Their esteem should be such that, by virtue of accepting an honorary degree, their presence at Convocation will bring honour and distinction to the University.
Alumnus W. John Bennett received an honorary Doctor of the University of St. Michael’s College degree at the inaugural Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology convocation. A successful merchant banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Bennett has contributed decades of leadership and service to the university, including roles in governance, fundraising, and the federation with Regis College. He has also supported academic initiatives such as the W.J. Bennett Family Chair. Recognized for his dedication and generosity, Bennett continues a family legacy of involvement with St. Michael’s. The honour reflects his significant impact on the institution and broader educational community.
The University of St. Michael’s College awarded Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in recognition of his leadership, commitment to theological education, and courageous ministry during the war in Ukraine. As head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Shevchuk has provided spiritual guidance, advocated for peace, and supported those affected by conflict. The university highlighted his dedication to human dignity, interreligious dialogue, and service to society. The degree was conferred in Toronto during a church synod. His life story reflects perseverance, having practiced faith secretly under Soviet persecution and later emerging as a global religious leader.
The University of St. Michael’s College named Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, as a 2024 honorary degree recipient, recognizing her influential leadership in the Catholic Church and global theological dialogue. Appointed by Pope Francis in 2021 as undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, she became one of the highest-ranking women in the Vatican. Her work focuses on youth engagement and promoting synodality, encouraging inclusive participation in Church decision-making. She received a Doctor of Divinity at convocation. The honour reflects her commitment to faith, service, and reform, aligning with the university’s mission to advance leadership and the common good.
Francis Anthony “Tony” Comper, a distinguished alumnus of the 
Victor Dodig, an alumnus of the 
Archbishop Donald Bolen, a leading figure in the Canadian Catholic Church, was honoured by the 
Professor Ann Hutchison is recognized for her distinguished career in medieval studies and her longstanding contributions to the 
Professor James Carley, a renowned expert in medieval manuscripts and book history, was honoured for his exceptional scholarly contributions and service to the 
Alumni, faculty, staff, or community members who have contributed to the building of the USMC community or brought the values of USMC to their work in the greater community, whether local or global. Nominees for the Legacy Wall in Brennan Hall may be living or deceased. Ceremonies for installations on Legacy Wall can occur at any appropriate time.Nominations and Other Honours
Nominations are received by the University Honours Nomination Committee via the University Honours Nomination Form and then passed to the appropriate deliberative body for adjudication.
The University Honours Nominations Committee’s authority is delegated it by the President of the University of St. Michael’s College, to whom it is accountable. The Committee is chaired by the Director of the President’s Office. The three principal duties of the Committee are:
1) to invite nominations from the USMC community;
2) to maintain a nominee pool; and
3) to recommend to the President individuals from the nominee pool principally for Honorary Doctorates, Honorary Fellowships, and Legacy Wall additions, and perhaps other honours such as the University of Toronto’s Arbor Award or the Order of Canada. (Nominees’ files are then passed to the respective deliberative body for each honour.)
Due to their access to the full pool of nominees, the University Honours Nomination Committee may recommend nominees for honours other than those indicated by their nominators.