October 11, 2005 Source: Brock University:
http://www.brocku.ca/webnews/displaystory.phtml?TEMPLATE=template.html&sid=1353 War Child Canada co-founders to receive honorary degrees at 2005 Brock Fall Convocation Brock University will confer 379 undergraduate degrees from all six faculties, 135 graduate degrees, 71 education degrees and 24 certificates at the 2005 Fall Convocation, being held on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m., in the Walker Complex at the west end of campus, in the Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium. An outdoor reception for graduates, family members and other special guests will be held after the ceremony. This year, Brock takes great pride in awarding honorary degrees to the two chief executives and co- founders of War Child Canada: Dr. Samantha Nutt, Executive Director; and Dr. Eric Hoskins, President, in recognition of their contributions to Canadian public life and distinguished humanitarian service around the world. Dr. Samantha Nutt's career has been dedicated to expanding the compassion and reach of medicine. Dr. Nutt received her Bachelor of Arts and Science in 1991, and her degree in Medicine in 1994 both from McMaster. She achieved her Master of Science, Public Health in Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1995. Dr. Nutt is also certified by the College of Family Practice, is an International Women's Health Scholar, and holds the Fellowship in Community Medicine from the University of Toronto. As Executive Director of War Child Canada, Dr. Nutt is involved with the overall direction, management and creative vision of War Child Canada's projects and programs. Founded in 1998, War Child Canada is an independent charitable organization dedicated to providing urgently needed humanitarian assistance to war-affected children around the world. Working closely with the music industry, War Child Canada helps generate awareness, support and advocacy for children's rights everywhere by engaging North American youth to take an active role in creating a more just future. Dr. Nutt has helped children in some of the world's most violent flashpoints, working with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in countries like Burundi, Liberia, Iraq, Sierra Leonne, Somalia, the Congo and Afghanistan, to name a few. Dr. Nutt's activities range from providing direct humanitarian support and long-term programming to war-affected children and their families, to promoting greater awareness in Canada concerning the issue of war-affected children, to fundraising and advocacy. One of 12 Canadians chosen by Maclean's magazine for the 2000 Honour Roll as one of "12 Canadians making a difference," she is a role model to young Canadians and has received numerous humanitarian awards for her work in support of war-affected children. Dr. Nutt was among 12 Canadian women honoured for leadership by Global Television and the National Post on International Women's Day 2000, and she also won the Top 40 Under 40 Award (Globe and Mail, Report on Business) in 2003. Dr. Eric Hoskins is a medical doctor who has dedicated his life to working as a physician in war zones. Dr. Hoskins received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1981, and a Doctor of Medicine in 1985, from McMaster University. After an internship in internal Medicine, he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, and subsequently completed a PhD in epidemiology and public health at Oxford University. Dr. Hoskins also holds graduate level degrees from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, The University of Aberdeen, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Hoskins has worked extensively with the United Nations and NGOs in some of the world's most heavily affected conflict areas including Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Burundi and Afghanistan/Pakistan. His work has taken him the world over with the sole intention of helping children affected by war. As a result of his extensive experience, Dr. Hoskins has become one of the leading experts both in Canada and internationally on various humanitarian-related issues. Dr. Hoskins was the Senior Policy Advisor to former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy. As President and General Manager of War Child Canada, Dr. Hoskins contributes to the conceptualization, development and growth of War Child Canada's international and domestic programs. Dr. Hoskins works to raise urgently needed funds for relief and development programs in support of war-affected children around the world. Nationally, the organization has designed innovative outreach programs that actively engage Canadian youth on international issues, fostering their participation and increasing public awareness in these critical areas. War Child Canada has been fundamental in shaping the views and attitudes of Canada's future generations. Dr. Hoskins is the youngest recipient of the United Nations Lester B. Pearson Peace Medal and has been awarded the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Citation for Citizenship, Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award and the Governor General's Meritorious Service Cross. He is also a frequent contributor to Maclean's magazine on war-related issues and a regular expert guest on CTV, CBC (radio and television) and many other major broadcast networks. Members of the media, to arrange interviews or confirm attendance, please contact Jeff Sinibaldi, Media Relations Officer, at 905-688-5550, ext. 4687; e-mail jsinibal@brocku.ca For more information regarding the convocation ceremony, please contact Diane Uppal, Associate Registrar for Convocation, at 905-688-5550, ext. 3249; e-mail duppal@brocku.ca
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