Bonnie Patterson will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on Friday, June 10 “in recognition of her leadership and service to Trent University and to all universities in Ontario as she guided them though changing
times and built a strong network of shared vision.”
A champion of higher education and a role model for women in leadership, Bonnie Patterson is recognized for many firsts in the university sector. She obtained a B.A. and M.L.S. from Western University and joined its faculty.
At Ryerson, she moved into academic administration and was the president’s special adviser during transformation to full university status. She was the first woman dean of business in Canada. After 11 years as the longest-serving president and vice chancellor of Trent, she served nine years as president and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities.
She has won the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario, Queen’s Diamond and Jubilee medals and recognition in the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for her work in the community.