UPEI to honour four P.E.I. residents with honorary degrees

Four P.E.I residents have been chosen to receive honorary degrees from the University of Prince Edward Island. 

Senator and former premier Catherine Callbeck, award-winning, singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant, former provincial treasurer Patricia Mella, and former professor and current pastor Father Charlie Cheverie will receive honorary doctor of laws degrees. 

The four will be honoured at convocation ceremonies May 9.

"Each honorary degree recipient exemplifies success in their chosen field, whether it be politics, business, education, religious life, or arts and culture," said UPEI president and vice-chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz in a news release. 

"We are so excited to honour these distinguished individuals who have contributed so much to their communities." 

• Senator Callbeck was involved in Island politics since the 1970s. She was the second woman elected to the P.E.I. Legislative Assembly and was elected as premier in 1997 after returning to provincial politics. Callbeck was involved in federal politics after being elected to the House of Commons in 1988. 
• Father Charlie Cheverie had a long teaching career at Saint Dunstan's University and UPEI. After his retirement, he served as chaplain at UPEI. 
• Rustico native Lennie Gallant has had a successful career as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer, winning numerous awards for the 10 albums he has recorded. 
• Patricia Mella has had a long career as an educator and politician, serving as the leader of the P.E.I. Progressive Conservative Party and leader of the official opposition. She became the provincial treasurer and chair of treasury board in 1993. 

Callbeck will address graduates and guests at the morning convocation and Mella will address those attending the afternoon ceremony.