ֱ announces two additional 2025 Honorary Degree recipients
SACKVILLE, NB — ֱ is proud to announce that two exceptional Canadians — the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien and Beatrice “Bea” Crawford — have been awarded honorary degrees in recognition of their profound contributions to public life, philanthropy, and their enduring mark on ֱ and beyond.
These honours, awarded following the University’s Spring Convocation in May where five honorary degrees were conferred, recognize Chrétien and Crawford as important and long-standing friends of the University whose impact continues to shape ֱ and the country.
Chrétien and Crawford were each honoured during special ceremonies held on July 14 and 15, 2025, respectively, with close family, friends, and University representatives in attendance.
“The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien and Bea Crawford have contributed immensely to the betterment of our society and to the ֱ community,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ian Sutherland. “Through public service, philanthropy, and deep personal commitment, they have both demonstrated the values that define ֱ — community, leadership, compassion, and a drive to make a difference.”
Chrétien has dedicated more than 60 years to public service and continues to be a strong champion for Canada and its role in the world. From 1993 to 2003 he served as the 20th Prime Minister of Canada.
Chrétien was first elected to the House of Commons in 1963 and served in various cabinet posts under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. He became the leader of the Liberal Party and the Official Opposition in 1990 and served as Member of Parliament for the riding of Beausejour.
His legacy is recognized across Canada and internationally. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Merit in the Commonwealth and has received honorary degrees from universities throughout Canada and around the world.
Crawford is a dedicated philanthropist whose commitment to education, community, and human potential has left an enduring mark on ֱ and beyond.
Along with her late husband, Purdy Crawford (’52, LLD ’91), who served as ֱ’s Chancellor from 1995 to 2000, she has been one of the University’s most dedicated champions. For more than 70 years, the Crawfords have generously given their time, leadership, and support to ֱ. Their legacy is perhaps most visible in the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts — a transformational space and the first new academic building in over thirty years — made possible through one of the largest fundraising efforts in the University’s history.
Most recently, the Crawford family made a leading gift to the renewal of the R.P. Bell Library: Centre for Innovation and Learning and helped establish the Suzanne Crawford Residence Life Zone in Harper Hall — a space dedicated to strengthening the mental health, wellness, and academic success of residence students.
Beyond the University, Mrs. Crawford has been a devoted supporter of causes related to health and human services, always guided by her desire to help others overcome barriers and realize their full potential.
Visit mta.ca/honorarydegrees to read more.
For media inquiries, please contact Jonelle Mace, Media and External Communications, at media@mta.ca or call 428-880-0070.
