Five individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to health, business, education, social justice, law and reconciliation are being honoured at this year’s Spring Convocation at Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
Honorary degrees are being bestowed upon community leader and health advocate Ann McCarthy, entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert “Bob” Gaglardi, Secwépemc Knowledge Keeper Elder Mike Arnouse, Secwépemc leader and counsellor Elder David Belleau and, posthumously, lawyer and BC Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable Hope Hyslop, during convocation ceremonies from June 9 to 12.
The honorary degree is the highest form of recognition offered by TRU and awarded for demonstrated excellence in the fields of public affairs, the sciences, arts, humanities, business, law and philanthropy.
Convocation ceremonies take place at the Tournament Capital Centre adjacent to TRU’s Kamloops campus. (See ceremony details below.)
Ann McCarthy, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
Ann McCarthy is a community leader, health advocate and community-based researcher whose work has transformed supportive cancer care in Kamloops and the surrounding region. As co-founder and vice-chair of the Kamloops Cancer Supportive Care Society, McCarthy has been a driving force in mobilizing community partners and health organizations to improve cancer care across the BC Interior. McCarthy has also strengthened connections between university and community as TRU’s first knowledge mobilization officer and through her contributions to community-driven health research. Through devoted advocacy and engagement, she has created lasting change for cancer patients and their families.
Robert “Bob” Gaglardi, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
Robert “Bob” Gaglardi is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist whose leadership has shaped Canada’s hospitality, real estate and entertainment industries while strengthening communities across British Columbia and beyond. In 1963, he founded Northland Properties, which grew into Canada’s largest privately held hospitality organization with hotels, restaurants, resorts and sports enterprises across North America and Europe. Through sustained philanthropy, Gaglardi has invested in education, health care and community well-being, including a transformational $10 million gift to TRU to support the construction of a new business school building. His legacy continues to shape industries, enrich communities and inspire generations.
Elder Mike Arnouse, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
Elder Mike Arnouse, a respected Secwépemc Knowledge Keeper from Adams Lake Indian Band, has dedicated his life to advancing Indigenous education, cultural revitalization and community well-being. A residential school survivor, he has worked tirelessly to restore Indigenous language and culture, and advocated for education as a path to reconciliation. A central figure in Indigenous education at TRU, Elder Arnouse was the first Elder-in-residence to support students on campus and a foundational presence in the development of culturally grounded learning environments. Through his lifelong devotion to teaching, mentorship and cultural revitalization, he has made immeasurable contributions to Indigenous rights, well-being and reconciliation.
Elder David Belleau, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa
Elder David “Dave” Belleau, a respected Secwépemc leader from Esk’etemc, has devoted his life to healing, education and community leadership. A residential school survivor, he transformed his own journey of recovery into a lifelong commitment to supporting others, becoming an internationally recognized counsellor, educator and mentor in trauma recovery, addiction and community wellness. He has worked with First Nations and non-Indigenous communities across Canada and internationally, offering guidance rooted in both traditional Secwépemc knowledge and contemporary therapeutic practice. Through his leadership, teaching and unwavering commitment to healing, Elder Belleau has empowered individuals and communities while advancing understanding, reconciliation and culturally grounded approaches to wellness.
The Honourable Hope Hyslop, (posthumous) Doctor of Laws, honoris causa
The Honourable Hope Hyslop devoted her life to advancing justice, fairness and legal education in British Columbia. Over a ground-breaking career as a lawyer and Justice of the BC Supreme Court, she earned a reputation for integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to the rule of law. Following her retirement, Hyslop served as Judge in Residence at TRU’s Faculty of Law, where she mentored students, championed access to justice through the TRU Community Legal Clinic, and helped connect legal education with real-world practice. Throughout her career, Justice Hyslop helped shape a more responsive, equitable and accessible justice system and inspired generations of students and practitioners.
TRU Spring Convocation 2026 schedule
Tuesday, June 9
2:30 p.m.
Faculty of Science / School of Trades and Technology
Honorary doctorate to Ann McCarthy
Wednesday, June 10
10 a.m.
Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics
2:30 p.m.
Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics
Honorary doctorate to Robert “Bob” Gaglardi
Thursday, June 11
10 a.m.
School of Nursing / Faculty of Education and Social Work
Honorary doctorate to Elder Mike Arnouse
2:30 p.m.
Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism / Faculty of Arts
Honorary doctorate to Elder David Belleau
Friday, June 12
10 a.m.
Faculty of Law
Honorary doctorate (posthumous) to the Honourable Hope Hyslop
To be accepted by her brother, Mark Hyslop
