Distinguished Recognitions

First awarded in 1972 to the Honourable Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan, the Distinguished Citizen Award is the university's highest tribute to individuals or groups who reflect the university's mission and fundamental values.

At convocation, MacEwan awards an honorary degree to distinguished citizens who have made an outstanding and significant contribution to the university, the communities we serve, and/or the university's programming or service areas. 

Distinguished Citizen Recipients

Spring 2011

• Mr. Harry Hole
• Mrs. Louise Miller
• Ms. Jennifer Heil
• Mr. William K. Robbins
• Mrs. Mary Jo Robbins

Fall 2010

• Mr. Ralph Young
• Ms. Muriel Stanley Venne
• Mr. Allan Scott
• Edmonton Community Foundation

Spring 2009

• The Right Honourable Donald Mazankowski
• Dr. Robert Steadward
• Mr. Peter Kossowan
• Mr. Michael Phair

Fall 2008

• Dr. Ruth Collins-Nakai 

Spring 2008

• Dr. Peter Kule and Dr. Doris Kule
• Mrs. Elexis Schloss
• Mr. Jim Gurnett

2007

• Dr. Herbert Belcourt, LLD
• Mr. Don Sprague
• Mr. Donald H. Wheaton, Sr.
• Dr. Lorne Tyrrell

2006

• Ms. Judy Padua
• Dr. Robert Westbury
• Mr. Don Getty
• Mr. Graham Hicks

2005

• Mr. Cam Tait
• Mrs. Cathy Roozen
• Mr. Ed Bean
• Mrs. Susan Aglukark

2004

• Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Patrick Laforge
• Mr. Lyle Best
• Mr. Nick Lees
• The Honourable Anne McLellan

2003

• The Muttart Foundation Bob Wyatt
• Mr. John Stanton
• Ms. Del Dilkie

2002

• Mr. Jack Agrios
• Sgt. Kevin Graham
• Reverend Martin Garber-Conrad

2001

• Mr. Tim Melton
• Mr. Eric Newell
• Mr. John Poole and Mrs. Barbara Poole

2000

• Mr. Ross McBain
• Mrs. Harriet Snowball Winspear 

1990s

• Ms. Linda Hughes 1999
• Mr. Doug McNally 1999
• The Honourable Senator Jean B. Forest 1998
• Mr. John Ramsey 1998
• Mrs. Margaret Osbaldeston 1998
• Mrs. Lois Hole 1997
• Mrs. Marjorie Bencz 1997
• Mr. John Berry 1997
• Mr. Sandy Mactaggart 1996
• Mr. P.J. Perry 1996
• Mr. Bill Comrie 1995
• Mr. Sigmund Sobolewski 1995
• Mr. Steve Ramsankar 1994
• Mr. Robert Stollery 1994
• The Honourable Joe Clark 1993
• Dr. Don Stanley 1993
• Mr. Bruce Hogle 1992
• Mrs. Mary Burlie 1992
• Dr. Randy Gregg 1991
• Dr. Myer Horowitz 1991
• Mrs. Bettie Hewes 1990
• Mrs. Peggy Holmes 1990 

1980s

• The Honourable David Russell 1989
• Dr. Francis Winspear 1989
• Dr. Harold Baker 1988
• Mr. David Foster 1988
• The Honourable Neil Crawford 1987
• Dr. Joseph Shoctor 1986
• Dr. Helen Hays 1986
• Mr. Max Ward 1985
• Mrs. Alice Makokis 1985
• Dr. Charles Allard 1984
• Mr. Conrad Bain 1983
• Dr. Dick Rice 1982
• Sister Therese Castonguay 1981
• The Honourable Ralph Steinhauer 1980 

1970s

• Dr. Tommy Banks 1979
• Mrs. Ethel Marliss 1977
• Judge E.D. Stack 1976
• The Honourable J.W. Grant MacEwan 1972  

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a MacEwan graduate who exhibits an outstanding achievement or has made a significant contribution in one or more of the following areas:
service to the community,

• business,
• the arts,
• human development,
• the environment,
• lifelong learning,
• post-secondary education, and/or
• government.

Information on the Distinguished Alumni Award and past recipients can be found on our Alumni Relations and Services website.

Distinguished Proctors are chosen from MacEwan faculty and staff to lead the graduands, schools and faculties during the academic procession at Convocation.
MacEwan has been honoured to have the following individuals serve as Distinguished Proctors:

2011 Spring Convocation 

• Sandra Alton
• Edna Berg
• Victor Bilodeau
• Evandro Bocatto
• Kerry Heaney-Dalton
• Sandra Kostashuk
• Gordon Lucyk
• Hugh McKenzie
• Gaelan Murphy
• Shirley Piedt
• Kathaleen Quinn 
• Pat Roddick
• Raina Rudko
• Debbie Styles
• Jennifer Spencer
• Darka Tarnowsky
   

2010 Fall Convocation 

• Dr. Robert Einarsson
• Carla Lemaire
• Brian Thurgood
• Lois Wihlidal
   

2010 Spring Convocation 

• Mark Arnison
• Joanne Christie
• Linda Dionne-MacIsaac
• Dr. Robert Einarsson
• Sandy Gunderson
• Dr. Mary Haase
• Robert Lockhart
• Dr. Carole Massing
• Dr. Carolee Pollock
• Cassie Prochnau
• Kathaleen Quinn

2009 Fall Convocation 

• Dr. Linda Cook
• Dr. Lynne Honey
• Eileen Matthews
• Lucille Mazo

Each Convocation, MacEwan staff and faculty are chosen to carry the MacEwan Mace and lead the platform part during the academic procession.

Mace bearers are past recipients of one of the following awards: the MacEwan Medallion (the highest recognition awarded to a university employee), Distinguished Teaching Award, Student Champion, Emeritus, Long Service Award (15 years or more of service), Outstanding Service Award, and the Award for Innovation.

Past Mace bearers: