Ryerson University to honour Helen Vari and Frank Iacobucci with honorary degrees, October 11-12

October 10, 2017

TORONTO, October 10, 2017 --- As part of this year’s fall convocation ceremonies, Ryerson University will recognize the distinguished careers of Helen Vari and the Honourable Frank Iacobucci with honorary doctorate degrees.

Helen Vari, C.M. – Helen Vari is the president of the George and Helen Vari Foundation, founded with her husband in 1984 to promote education in Canada, and cultural and educational exchanges between Canada and other countries. Ryerson is one of several Canadian universities to benefit from the foundation, through the George Vari Award for Good Citizenship and the spectacular George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre completed in 2004. Vari’s many honours include the Order of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II’s 50th and 60th Anniversary Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, and Officier du Mérite National of France. Helen Vari will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science convocation ceremony on Wednesday, October 11 at 2:30 p.m.

The Honourable Frank Iacobucci, C.C., Q.C., LL.D., LS.M. – For more than 40 years, Frank Iacobucci has made significant contributions to the advancement of education, law and jurisprudence in Canada. Perhaps best known as Puisne Justice on the Supreme Court of Canada from 1991 to 2004, Frank Iacobucci has had an accomplished career in private practice, academia, government and the judiciary. Before joining the court, he was deputy minister of justice and deputy attorney general for Canada. He also served as a professor and dean at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law, and vice-president and provost at the university. Since retiring, he has represented the federal government in negotiations leading to the settlement agreement relating to residential schools (the largest financial settlement in Canadian history). Iacobucci has worked with federal and provincial governments on major matters involving alleged terrorists, Indigenous peoples, Afghan detainees, and other issues. He was appointed a Companion in the Order of Canada in 2007. Frank Iacobucci will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the Faculty of Arts convocation ceremony on Thursday, October 12 at 2:30 p.m.

All ceremonies will take place at the Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard St. E., Toronto.

Seats are reserved for media. Media wishing to attend should contact Zandra Alexander, below.

WHAT: Honorary degree presentations and Convocation

WHEN: Helen Vari - Wednesday, October 11 at 2:30 p.m.
The Honourable Frank Iacobucci - Thursday, October 12 at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard St. E. Toronto

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:

Zandra Alexander
Public Affairs, Ryerson University
Office: 416-979-5000 x 4282
zandra.alexander@torontomu.ca
@RyersonU

If you require this in another format, please contact Ryerson University Public Affairs at 416-979-5000 x 7134.