Honorary Degree and Order of the University of Calgary recipients announced ahead of spring 2026 convocation

From global leadership and Indigenous knowledge‑keeping to journalism, philanthropy, athletics and community advocacy, this spring’s Honorary Degree and Order of the University of Calgary recipients represent a remarkable breadth of achievement and service.

The honours will be presented at the Spring 2026 Convocation ceremonies, Chancellor Jon Cornish and President and Vice‑Chancellor Ed McCauley have announced.

Honorary degree recipients

The Honorary Degree (Doctor of Laws, or Hon. LLD) is UCalgary’s highest academic honour, acknowledging individuals whose outstanding achievements and contributions to the community deserve special recognition. The recipients will address the graduating class, sharing insights and lessons from their distinguished careers and leadership experiences.

Marilyn and Jeff McCaig

Conferral and address – Wednesday, June 3, 2 p.m. ceremony

Marilyn and Jeff McCaig have been long-time supporters of UCalgary, dedicating their time and resources to advancing education, research and community leadership. Marilyn, BEd’75, is an alum of the Werklund School of Education. Jeff remains actively involved with the university through the McCaig Chair in Management in International Business and the Haskayne School of Business. He has also generously supported the McCaig Family Future Fund Professorship in International Family Business.  

Marilyn has focused much of her work on the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), particularly through the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health. She has chaired the institute’s Strategic Advisory Board for more than 15 years and continues to serve on the CSM Dean’s Advisory Committee. Both Jeff and Marilyn remain deeply engaged in the mentorship, governance and ongoing support of the McCaig Institute. 

Beyond the university, Jeff continues to play a prominent role in Calgary’s business community as chair of the Trimac group of companies, Bantrel, and the Calgary Flames Foundation. Marilyn oversees their family’s philanthropic efforts through the McCaig Family Foundation, helping to guide funding toward initiatives that reflect their shared values of innovation, education and community well-being. 

Deborah Yedlin

Conferral and address – Friday, June 5, 2 p.m. ceremony

Former UCalgary Chancellor Deborah Yedlin has built her career across finance, journalism and civic leadership since 1987. After starting her career as an investment banker with Goldman Sachs in New York and later continuing with other firms in Canada, she became a prominent business columnist and commentator for major Canadian media outlets, including the Calgary Herald, Globe and Mail and Financial Post, in addition to national radio and television networks. Her business commentary was regarded as both incisive and accessible, providing important insights to readers and listeners from across the country.    

Born and raised in Edmonton, but living in Calgary since 1992, Yedlin is a long-time community leader, has served on several not-for-profit boards and was the 14th Chancellor of the University of Calgary from 2018 to 2022. Since 2021, she has been president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber, where she champions economic growth, innovation and inclusive business development while strengthening the organization’s influence in public policy in the municipal, provincial and national context. 

Jackie Flanagan

Conferral and address – Monday, June 8, 2 p.m. ceremony

Jackie Flanagan BEd'69, MA’75, was born in Calgary and raised in the town of Bowness before it became part of the city. She is the publisher and founding editor of Alberta Views, a magazine of political, social and cultural commentary established in 1997, rooted in her belief that a healthy democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. Flanagan spent 18 years teaching in the English department at Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) from 1972 to 1990. 

Her literary work includes Grass Castles (1998), a collection of interconnected short stories published by Bayeau Arts. Deeply committed to community and the arts, she has served as a director of Calgary Foundation and on the board of Lunchbox Theatre. With her former husband, Allan Markin, she established the Distinguished Writer-in-Residence program at UCalgary. 

Flanagan studied at the University of British Columbia, UCalgary and the University of Alberta. Invested into the Order of Canada in 2024, she is recognized for her philanthropy and long-standing support of Canadian writers and the arts.  

Elder Rod Hunter

Conferral and address – Wednesday, June 10, 9:30 a.m. ceremony

Elder Rod Hunter, whose traditional Stoney Nakoda name is Othni (“Cold”), is a leader, Knowledge Keeper and cultural advocate from Bearspaw First Nation. He has dedicated his life to strengthening the cultural, political and spiritual well-being of his community. 

Elder Rod currently serves as an elected councillor for Bearspaw First Nation, contributing to governance, community priorities and Nation‑to‑Nation relationships. A world‑class powwow singer and a legend in the powwow circuit, he is the longtime leader of the drum group Eyahey Nakoda and has shared Stoney Nakoda culture across North America since beginning his singing journey at the age of nine. 

Deeply committed to traditional spiritual practice, Elder Rod is a Sundance Maker who has completed four Sundance lodges and carries responsibilities as a medicine holder and pipe‑holder. 

He has contributed to UCalgary through ceremony, cultural education and relationship building, including sharing teachings related to the university’s Honour Song. Elder Rod continues to support reconciliation and Indigenous Ways of Knowing through leadership, song and ceremony. 

President Sauli Niinistö, former president of the Republic of Finland 

Conferral and address – Wednesday, June 10, 2 p.m. ceremony

President Sauli Niinistö served two full terms as the 12th President of Finland from 2012 to 2024, guiding the country through a defining period in European and global geopolitics. Re-elected in 2018, he played a central role in shaping Finland’s foreign and security policy, including the country’s historic decision to join NATO. 

A lawyer by training, Niinistö previously served as Finland’s longest-serving minister of finance, helping steer the country out of severe recession in the 1990s. He was chairman of the National Coalition Party from 1994 to 2001. In addition to domestic politics, he was chairman of the European Democrat Union (EDU) from 1998 to 2002.  

In 2003, Niinistö took up the post of vice-president of the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. He returned to the Finnish Parliament in the 2007 elections with the highest number of votes ever gained by a candidate. He was Speaker of Parliament from 2007 to 2011. 

Today, he speaks on geopolitics, European security, transatlantic relations and leadership in times of crisis. 

Order of the University of Calgary recipients

The Order of the University of Calgary is awarded to individuals with a significant history of service to the university. Recipients may include current or former members of the UCalgary community.

Ben Matchett 

Presentation – Tuesday, June 9, 2 p.m. ceremony

In 2021, Ben Matchett, BComm’06, BA’06, was appointed as the eighth athletic director in Dinos history, after more than two decades of service to Dinos Athletics. His career at UCalgary began in 2000 as a student and volunteer, and he later completed a full-time internship and was hired as marketing and communications co-ordinator in 2006. He became sports information director the following year and was promoted to assistant athletic director, operations and communications, in 2011.

In that role, Matchett led initiatives such as the Crowchild Classic, the Dinos brand re-launch, hosting multiple U SPORTS national championships, and he has elevated the Dinos’ national profile. As athletic director, he has strengthened departmental funding and campus partnerships while overseeing 23 varsity and eight competitive club programs serving nearly 700 student-athletes annually.

Beyond campus, Matchett has served with Canada West and U SPORTS and acted as Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the 2023 Winter World University Games.

Matchett has served as president of the Canada West Universities Athletic Association since 2024.

Jill Wyatt

Presentation – Wednesday, June 10, 9:30 a.m. ceremony

Jill Wyatt is a former educator and high school principal, CEO of the YWCA of Calgary, and vice-president, Community Investments and Collaborations, with United Way of Calgary and Area. She has served two distinguished terms as a UCalgary senator, and was appointed as chair of the Board of Governors from 2017 to 2019. Wyatt’s passion for community building has been a driving force in changing social conditions and creating opportunities for individuals, families and communities. She is a proven leader during times of complex change, working to innovate for greater impact, and helping people develop to reach their potential.

Wyatt is bilingual and holds a Diploma in Education from UCalgary, a Bachelor of Arts from York University, and a master’s degree in French from the University of Toronto.

Wyatt is the recipient of many awards and honours, including the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the Paul Harris Rotary Fellow Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, and the Alberta Centennial Medal.