Ryerson University to honour Maria Campbell and Hassan Yussuff with honorary degrees, October 10-11
TORONTO, October 9, 2018 --- As part of this year’s fall convocation ceremonies, Ryerson University will recognize the distinguished careers of Maria Campbell and Hassan Yussuff with honorary doctorate degrees.
Maria Campbell, O.C., S.O.M. - Born in 1940 in northwestern Saskatchewan, Campbell is best known for her 1973 memoir Halfbreed. Marking a rebirth of Indigenous literature in Canada, the book has been used as a text in numerous university and college courses across North America and Europe.
An officer of the Order of Canada, Campbell has written children's books, award-winning plays and a short film for the National Film Board. Today, Campbell is a visiting academic at the Centre for World Indigenous Knowledge and Research at Athabasca University and the cultural advisor at the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan. Maria Campbell will receive a Doctor of Laws degree at the Faculty of Communication and Design Convocation ceremony on Oct. 10 at 3:30 p.m.
Hassan Yussuff - Yussuff, who immigrated to Canada from Guyana, has been a union member for more than 40 years. Elected union chair of his workplace at 19, he rose through the ranks of the Canadian Auto Workers union to become the organization's first human rights director.
Today, Yussuff is the first person of colour to lead the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), Canada's union movement. Additionally, he is president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, which champions equity and workers' rights around the world. During Yussuff's two terms as CLC president, he has sought to improve employees' rights in the workplace and transform how Canadians view the labour movement. Hassan Yussuff will receive a Doctor of Laws degree at the Ted Rogers School of Management Convocation ceremony on Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m.
All ceremonies will take place at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Seats are reserved for media. Media wishing to attend should contact Zandra Alexander, below.
WHAT: Honorary degree presentations and Convocation
WHEN: Maria Campbell - Oct. 10 at 3:30 p.m.
Hassan Yussuff - Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mattamy Athletic Centre, 50 Carlton Street, Toronto, Ontario.
-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.