Two visionaries from vastly different fields will receive UVic’s highest academic honour on Nov. 14 and 15, when they cross the stage to receive honorary degrees during the university’s fall convocation ceremonies.
Esteemed legal scholar and elected provincial official Andrew Petter and celebrated composer Linda Catlin Smith will be formally recognized for the exceptional contributions they have made over a span of several decades.
Over the course of two days, over 1,500 degrees, diplomas and certificates will be conferred during four ceremonies presided over by Chancellor Marion Buller and President Kevin Hall.
Convocation is a significant milestone for graduates and honorands, and for their families. It is a time of great celebration for the entire university community.
The ceremonies will be webcast live and archived online.
Fall 2023 honorary degree recipients
Andrew Petter
Petter.Linda Catlin Smith
Linda Catlin Smith’s music has been performed by Canada’s major orchestras and featured in concert series and festivals across North America and around the world. Born in New York City, Linda received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Victoria, before moving to Toronto. Since then, she has forged a career like her music: quiet and persistent, unassuming and steady, with an absolute certainty of purpose.
On the surface, her music is deceptively simple; look closer, and it reveals a mastery of harmony and orchestration that puts her in the highest ranks of composers. In the classical music world, where works by (male) composers from the past dominate orchestral concerts, Linda’s is often the only contemporary voice. Over more than 40 years, she has developed a singular vision, creating real beauty in a world that profoundly needs it.
A sensitive teacher and mentor, Linda has also been an inspiration and a model for a generation of young composers, performers and ensembles, many of whom have become important artists in their own right. She will continue to be revered by future generations in Canada and beyond.
Learn more about the class of 2023 and our two honorary degree recipients
You can also show your support to the class of 2023 on social media using the hashtag #UVicGrad.
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Keywords: convocation , award , alumni , arts , , music
People: Andrew Petter , Linda Catlin Smith
