Nipissing to grant honorary degree, celebrate 1400 graduates during upcoming virtual convocation
North Bay, ON – Nipissing University will recognize Tom Curry with an honorary degree Doctor of Letters, the university’s highest distinction, during its upcoming virtual convocation celebrations. Curry is a leading trial and appellate lawyer and Managing Partner of Lenczner Slaght LLP, Canada’s leading litigation firm.
“Tom Curry was selected for this honour for his meaningful contributions to Nipissing University, his profession, and society-at-large,” said Cheryl Sutton, President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim). “Mr. Curry has been a long-time supporter of the University and we are proud to formally welcome him to our Nipissing family with this well-deserved distinction.”
Curry was born and raised in North Bay. He graduated from Chippewa Secondary School in 1977 and later obtained a degree from the University of Waterloo, School of Urban and Regional Planning. He then attended Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario Bar as a lawyer in 1986.
Curry served for two terms on the Board of Governors of Nipissing University and played an important role as a Member of the Special Governance Commission formed in 2015 under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Nipissing University Faculty Association and Nipissing University. In 2016, the Special Governance Commission reported on recommendations to assess and improve the joint governance structures and culture of collegiality at Nipissing. The work of the Special Governance Commission lead to significant improvements in the quality of the relationships and engagement between the Board, Academic Senate, administration, students, and the wider community at Nipissing.
Curry’s work as a lawyer has been recognized in various professional honours including the prestigious Law Society Medal, The Catzman Award, and The Advocates Society Award for Excellence in Teaching. Tom is a passionate teacher and mentor who strives to inspire future generations of lawyers and students. He has supported future graduates at Nipissing University, The University of Waterloo and Osgoode Hall Law School through the creation of bursaries and awards intended to help students in financial need.
Nipissing University will graduate approximately 1400 students during four virtual ceremonies:
- Faculty of Arts & Science – Tuesday, June 15, 2021
- Schulich School of Education – Thursday, June 17, 2021
- School of Business, School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, School of Social Work – Tuesday, June 22, 2021
- School of Nursing – Thursday, June 24, 2021
Each ceremony webpage will go live at 9 a.m. on ceremony day and will feature video addresses from the Chancellor, President & Vice Chancellor (Interim), Provost & Vice-President, Academic & Research, honorary degree recipient and alumni. This year’s graduates also received a Grad Box full of items to assist with their at-home celebrations. Once it is safe to do so, the University will invite members of the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 graduating classes back to campus to cross the stage and participate in an in-person event.
Students, supporters and community members are encouraged to celebrate the class of 2021 by downloading #NUConvocation-themed social media filters, frames, photos and printable signs available on the convocation webpage.
For more information on convocation, visit nipissingu.ca/convocation.
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Contact:
Meghan Venasse
Manager, Communications
705-474-3450, ext. 4615
meghanv@nipissingu.ca