UPEI to confer four honorary degrees at Convocation

The University of Prince Edward Island will confer honorary degrees on four outstanding people during Convocation on Saturday, May 8, in recognition of their leadership and service in public and community life.

The honorary graduands are the Honourable Patrick G. Binns, Canada's ambassador to Ireland; Donald N. MacKenzie, a leader in the PEI potato industry; Judy Bragg, a philanthropist and active participant in rural community affairs; and Harry Snow, a well-known figure in the construction industry who has served as a mentor for young entrepreneurs.

The convocation ceremonies will take place in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Binns will address graduates attending the morning convocation, and Bragg will speak at the afternoon ceremony.

The Honourable Patrick G. Binns was appointed Canada's Ambassador to Ireland in 2007. He served for 11 years as premier of PEI, four years as an MP for the riding of Cardigan, and six years as a provincial minister in various portfolios including industry, fisheries, and community affairs. Before entering politics, he worked with the PEI Rural Development Council.

Donald N. MacKenzie's far-sightedness in the potato industry led to the development of major seed varieties in PEI and improvements in potato handling and transportation. He was named to the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2008, and as an Honorary Lifetime Director of the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts in 2000.

Summerside native Judy Bragg now lives in Collingwood, NS. She has played a strong leadership role in her family and community throughout the development of her family's business, the Bragg Group of Companies. Founded by her husband John, the companies are major players in the processing of wild blueberries and other agricultural products. Through their family foundation, Judy and John Bragg have supported several universities, including UPEI.