By Doug Draper
When graduates gather at the St. Catharines campus of Brock University this June to receive their degrees, at least some of them will be graced by the warmth and wise words of one of this region’s most distinguished citizens – Wilma Morrison.
Niagara's own Wilma Morrison. File photo by Doug Draper
Morrison – a Niagara Falls resident and one of the youngest 80 year olds this columnist has ever met – is among five notable Canadians, including fellow Niagara resident and long-time Brock supporter Val Fleming, who will receive honorary degrees from the university during spring convocation ceremonies on June 9 and June 12.
A local historian, Morrison is known by many on both sides of the border of our binational region for her many years of working to preserve and raise public awareness of our area’s rich black history, going back before, during and after the War of 1812, and the ‘Underground Railroad’ that drew fleeing slaves to this area in the years before and during the American Civil War.
Morrison is a popular speaker on the topic of black history (click on Niagara At Large at http://www.niagaraatlarge for earlier posts on her) and routinely finds herself on what amounts to a speaking tour around the region during ‘Black History Month’ each February.
What follows is a May 25 media release from Brock University, listing all five individuals who will receive honorary degrees and when they will receive them.
BROCK UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELEASE
Brock University will bestow upon five distinguished Canadians honorary degrees at this year’s Spring Convocation, which takes place during seven ceremonies over four days, from Wednesday, June 9 to Saturday, June 12. This year,
Brock takes pride in awarding honorary degrees to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, British Columbia’s Legislative Representative for Children and Youth; Wilma Morrison, local historian, curator, advocate and educator of black history in Niagara; Val Fleming, one of Niagara’s most distinguished and well-known citizens; James Stewart, author, musician and professor emeritus of mathematics; and Brigadier-General Hilary Jaeger, OMM, MSM, CD.
“Brock is delighted to recognize these exceptional individuals for their leadership, innovation and distinguished contributions to society,” says President Jack Lightstone. “Their outstanding achievements locally, nationally and internationally mirror the values and vision of our university — to enhance the lives of the communities around us and to contribute to the betterment of society.”
All ceremonies will be held in the Walker Complex at the west end of campus, in the Ian D. Beddis gymnasium. An outdoor reception for graduates, family members and other special guests will be held after each ceremony.
Tickets are not required. All guests are welcome at the Convocation ceremonies. The five honorary degree presentations will proceed as follows: Thursday, June 10, 10 a.m. An honorary degree will be presented to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, British Columbia’s Legislative Representative for Children and Youth: Brock University is recognizing Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond for her extraordinary humanitarian and public contributions to fostering awareness and understanding of the challenges and needs affecting vulnerable children in Canada. She was appointed British Columbia’s first Representative for Children and Youth in November 2006. The Representative is an Independent Officer of the Legislature. Thursday, June 10, 2 p.m.
An honorary degree will be presented to Wilma Morrison, local historian, curator, advocate and educator of black history in Niagara: Brock University is recognizing Wilma Morrison for her tireless efforts in promoting and preserving black history and its connections to the Underground Railroad in Niagara and Canada. She is a local historian, curator and volunteer who plays a vital role in keeping alive the history of black people in the Niagara region. She is a living cultural and historical resource who has dedicated her life to keeping local black history alive for the benefit of all. Friday, June 11, 10 a.m.
An honorary degree will be presented to Val Fleming: Brock University is recognizing Val Fleming for her distinguished public contributions to Niagara and for her dedicated service to the growth and development of Brock University. She is a former member of the Brock University Board of Trustees (1998-2006), and is a long-time supporter of the school. She has represented the university on many occasions, speaking publicly in support of the institution and providing, in her quiet and effective way, advice and direction concerning its future. Friday, June 11, 10 a.m.
An honorary degree will be presented to Dr. James Stewart, author, musician and professor emeritus of mathematics: Brock University is recognizing Dr. James Stewart for his outstanding contributions to mathematics education, architecture and music. He is first and foremost a mathematician, but he is also a best-selling author, and award-winning professor, a renowned public lecturer, an accomplished concert violinist, philanthropist and lover of architecture. Friday, June 11, 2 p.m.
An honorary degree will be presented to Brigadier-General Hilary Jaeger, OMM, MSM, CD: Brock University is recognizing Brigadier-General Hilary Jaeger for a lifetime of medical and health security achievements and her decisive and influential action towards improving the health and well-being of others. Since October 2009, Jaeger has been deployed to International Security Assistance Force headquarters in Kabul overseeing medical support to the mission in Afghanistan.
For complete bios on all of this year’s Honorary Degree recipients, go to the Brock website: http://www.brocku.ca/news/11604 (Click on http://www.niagaraatlarge.com for Niagara At Large and more news and commentary on matters of interest and concern to our greater binational Niagara region.)
(Click on www.niagaraatlarge.com for Niagara At Large and more news and commentary on matters of interest and concern to our greater binational Niagara region.)
Niagara At Large 
The tribute to Wilma Morrison is long overdue. It would be good if this was followed up by a designation of somewhere in Niagara in honour of Harriet Tubman- a step she has long advocated.
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It was a fortuitous day when I met Ms. Morrison, in the company of then Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander, at a commemoration of the Underground Railroad.
A fine lady!
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Icon is a much overused word today. But Wilma Morrison is just that. Aside from her dogged work on Black history locally, she is a witty woman who much deserves this honour and many more.
As to an earlier post, Harriet Tubman has received much accalim locally. An Ontario Heritage Foundation (now trust) plaque is outside the B.M. E. Church on Geneva Street, dedicated to her. I had the honour of addressing the plaque ceremony in the wearly 90’s. As well, Tubman and the Church have received federal heritage status, and the city’s Green Committee is sprucing up the outside of the church, which will include a donated ‘monument’ (a bust of Tubman) to the area.
Let’s all keep up the good work.
Gail Benjafield
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Of course, I meant ‘acclaim’ in the earlier posting! Smiles.
Gail B
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