McGill confers honorary degrees on Edgar Miles Bronfman and André Desmarais

Achievements include commitment to youth and fighting anti-Semitism, leading Canadian business community’s outreach to China

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McGill University conferred degrees today upon some 1143 students from its Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Religious Studies and awarded honorary degrees to Edgar Miles Bronfman and André Desmarais, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their fields.

Edgar Miles Bronfman, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa

Edgar M. Bronfman is the former CEO of the Seagram Company Ltd. A supporter of a wide variety of causes, Mr. Bronfman is recognized for his leadership by organizations, universities and governments around the world. Currently he serves as president of The Samuel Bronfman Foundation, dedicated to youth and education, including: Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, and MyJewishLearning.com. He also served for many years as president of the World Jewish Congress. As its president, he was at the forefront of struggles to combat anti-Semitism and worked tirelessly to promote peace in the Middle East.

André Desmarais, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa

André Desmarais is a Canadian business leader and well-known philanthropist. He is president and co-chief executive officer of Power Corporation of Canada, and was instrumental in building the financial success of Power Corporation. Mr. Desmarais was one of the first Canadian business executives to advocate and lead in the establishment of closer ties between Canada and China. His philanthropic efforts have benefited organizations that include the Canadian Red Cross, the Alzheimer Society of Montreal, the Montreal General Hospital, the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, and the Montreal Heart Institute.

McGill’s Convocation ceremonies can be followed live at: http://bcooltv.mcgill.ca/ConvocationLive/