Board Awards and Recognition

An honorary degree is generally considered that one of the most prestigious honors any university can bestow upon an individual; a degree which is conferred honoris causa (for the sake of honor). This type of degree is meant to recognize an individual’s exceptional achievement or distinction in alignment with the vision and mission of the university. In regard to honorary degrees bestowed by Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts), the focus includes art, craft and design with possible expansion into the broader fields of creativity and innovation.

Honorary degrees provide an opportunity for the institution to publicly honour exceptional and unique individuals of national and international stature whose accomplishments support the ideals of AUArts and can serve as an example for our students, alumni, community and society.

An Alumni Award recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments, leadership, service and impact of notable individual alumni of AUArts. The individual’s impact aligns with the vision and mission of the institution, and are an example to fellow alumni, students, and prospective students. Recipient’s are a degree holder from AUArts, and their personal and/or professional accomplishments are aligned to art, craft and design, with possible expansion into the broader fields of creativity and innovation. 

The Alumni Award provides an opportunity for the institution to publicly honour notable alumni who support the ideals of AUArts, and recognize the impact of art, craft and design education. Recipients can serve as an example for our students, alumni, community and society. 

Nominations are now open and can be submitted on an ongoing basis. The deadline to submit an Honorary Degree nomination for May 2027 convocation is November 2026.