Diane Bergeron, Eric P. Newell, Douglas Roche and Ronald Triffo will each be awarded a Doctor of the University, honoris causa, and speak to the graduating class during MacEwan University’s Spring Convocation ceremonies.

“I am proud to celebrate four exceptional honorary doctorate recipients at this spring’s convocation,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, MacEwan University president and vice-chancellor. “Ron Triffo and Eric Newell are respected leaders who have made meaningful contributions to Alberta’s business community. The Honourable Douglas Roche has dedicated his career to public service, representing Canadians with distinction on both national and international stages. Diane Bergeron’s unwavering advocacy has advanced inclusion and accessibility for people across the country. The remarkable achievements of this year’s recipients reflect the very best of leadership, service and community, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and hearing their inspiring stories during convocation.”

MacEwan University’s Spring Convocation ceremonies will be held at Edmonton’s Winspear Centre from June 16 to 19, 2026.

Meet the recipients

Diane Bergeron

Diane Bergeron is head of Global Strategies and senior vice-president of Public Affairs at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). With her guide dog, Carla, at her side, Bergeron is a dedicated leader who works tirelessly to break down barriers for people with disabilities. Diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition at the age of five, she lost all sight in her 30s.

Bergeron spent 13 years in government before joining CNIB, where she was instrumental in updating copyright laws and supporting Canada’s ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty.

Bergeron has led CNIB Guide Dogs and major advocacy initiatives nationally and internationally, advancing accessibility and inclusion. Her roles with the World Blind Union (WBU) include treasurer and chair of both the Youth Leadership and Women’s Committees. She also represented the WBU at the United Nations.

She is a three-time graduate of MacEwan University and has a master’s degree from Royal Roads University. Bergeron uses her education and experience to champion positive change for people with disabilities. Her leadership and resilience have made a lasting impact, inspiring others to focus on abilities rather than assumptions.

Diane Bergeron will receive an honorary Doctor of the University degree on Friday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m.

Eric P. Newell

Eric P. Newell led the major oil sands expansion that began in the late 1990s and continues today, as CEO and chair of Syncrude Canada Ltd. from 1989 to 2003. He also co-founded CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation to address skilled trades shortages and create career opportunities for Alberta’s youth. He is known for his successful and lasting efforts to strengthen partnerships between education and business.

Newell holds a Master of Science in management studies (1968) from the University of Birmingham, England and a Bachelor of Applied Science in chemical engineering (1967) from the University of British Columbia.

He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence, and has received numerous honours for contributions to business leadership, education, youth development and public policy.

Now retired, Newell continues to be recognized for outstanding corporate leadership and exemplary service to industry and community. He lives in Edmonton with his wife, Kathy. They have three children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Eric Newell will receive an honorary Doctor of the University degree on Tuesday, June 16, at 2:30 p.m.

The Honourable Douglas Roche

The Honourable Douglas Roche, O.C., is an author, parliamentarian and diplomat who has specialized in peace and human security issues throughout his 55-year career. In 1988, he was elected chair of the United Nations Disarmament Committee.

He has served as a senator, member of Parliament, Canadian Ambassador for Disarmament and visiting professor at the University of Alberta. 

Roche is the author of 25 books, including Keep Hope Alive: Essays for a War-Free World (2023). His memoir, Creative Dissent: A Politician’s Struggle for Peace, was published in 2008.

Roche holds nine honorary doctorates and has received numerous awards for his work in peace and non-violence, including the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation for World Peace Award and the United Nations Association’s Medal of Honour. In 1995, Pope John Paul II presented him with the Papal Medal for his service as special advisor on disarmament and security matters.

In 2025, Roche received the Canadian Leadership for Nuclear Disarmament Distinguished Achievement Award. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.

Douglas Roche will receive an honorary Doctor of the University degree on Wednesday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m.

Ron Triffo

Ron Triffo, chairman emeritus of Stantec Inc., is a visionary engineer whose 37-year career helped transform Stantec from a regional consultancy into a global leader. Joining as a partner in 1977, he served as president (1983-1988), CEO (1988-1998) and chair (1998-2011), spearheading acquisitions, multidisciplinary integration and its 1994 public listing.

Triffo holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science, both in civil engineering. In 2011, he was awarded an Honorary LLD from the University of Alberta. A fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, he is a past president of Consulting Engineers of Canada.

Triffo’s board and business acumen helped shape TELUS, ATB Financial, Alberta Innovates and Alberta Ingenuity Fund. He was Alberta Venture’s Inaugural Businessperson of the Year, is a laureate of the Alberta Business Hall of Fame and has received many distinguished engineering awards.

Triffo believes strongly in community. He and his late wife, Dorothy, established the Ron and Dorothy Triffo Family Fund to assist charities focused on sectors including the arts, post-secondary education and health care.

He has supported and contributed generously to MacEwan University for many years, most recently lending his name to the university’s Triffo School of Business.

He is the proud father of two daughters and grandfather of four grandsons.

Ron Triffo will receive an honorary Doctor of the University degree on Thursday, June 18, at 9:30 a.m.