Sarah McLachlan and Bruce Poon Tip to receive honorary degrees from Capilano University; Pierre Coupey announced as faculty emeritus
NORTH VANCOUVER B.C. – Capilano University is pleased to announce that singer, songwriter and philanthropist Sarah McLachlan and entrepreneur, author and international community tourism advocate Bruce Poon Tip will receive honorary degrees from the University at this year's convocation ceremonies on June 3, 2019.
Sarah McLachlan is an award-winning musician, international recording-artist and Officer of the Order of Canada. Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2017, she has won three Grammy and 12 Juno Awards over the course of her career. McLachlan founded the Lilith Fair tour, which showcased female performers and raised more than $7 million for various charities over its three-year run. In 2002, she founded the Sarah McLachlan School of Music to provide music education at no cost to at-risk and underserved children and youth in Vancouver, Surrey and Edmonton. Connecting communities, creating joy and inspiring love for music are at the heart of her life's work.
Bruce Poon Tip is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, author and the founder of G Adventures, an award-winning small group adventure travel company and social enterprise. G Adventures operates 28 offices worldwide, offering more than 700 tours and travel opportunities across all seven continents. He is also the founder of G Adventures' not-for-profit partner, the Planeterra Foundation, which channels support to underserved communities around the world. An inductee into the Social Venture Network Hall of Fame and the British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame, Poon Tip is an unwavering advocate of the power of travel to change lives for the better.
"We are proud to have these two remarkable Canadians join our community of honorary degree recipients," says Paul Dangerfield, president of Capilano University. "They have distinguished themselves not only in their careers but also for applying their abilities and influence to make the world a better place. They represent the values of Capilano University and bring honor to our name."
At the afternoon convocation ceremony on June 3, 2019, retired English and creative writing instructor Pierre Coupey will receive the designation of faculty emeritus for his service to Capilano University and his ongoing contributions to Canada's literary and artistic communities. Coupey's 41-year teaching career began at Capilano College in 1970. He was responsible for establishing creative writing within the English department and was the first instructor to introduce Canadian literature into the College curriculum. An award-winning visual artist, Coupey's work can be found in private collections and galleries in Canada and abroad.
"Pierre Coupey was, and continues to be, a tireless advocate of Canadian literature," says President Dangerfield. "As one of the founding editors of The Capilano Review, Pierre brought many emerging and renowned Canadian writers to greater public attention. He is both a remarkable talent in his own right and a tremendous credit to Capilano University."
The awards will be bestowed at convocation by the University's Chancellor David Fung, PhD, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Capilano University in 2014.
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a teaching-focused university based in North Vancouver, with programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. The University enrols more than 10,000 students each year and offers 101 programs, including bachelor's degrees in areas as diverse as film, jazz, early childhood education and tourism management. Capilano University is named after Chief Joe Capilano, an important leader of the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) Nation of the Coast Salish people. Our campuses are located on the territories of the Lil'wat, Musqueam, Sechelt (shíshálh) Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Victoria Miles
Director, Communications & Marketing
Capilano University
t: 604 984 1794
e: mediarelations@capilanou.ca
capilanou.ca
Submitted by: Victoria Miles