Bishop’s University
A photo of a Bishop's University degree and farm-grown flowers.

Bishop’s University to recognize Class of 2026 achievements during Convocation ceremonies

Honourands are Timothy K. Griffin, Bishop’s Alumnus and Benefactor and Marie-Philip Poulin, La Victoire de Montréal Captain and Olympic Medalist

“Convocation is the culmination of years of hard work, effort, and resolve,” notes Bishop’s University Chancellor Daniel Fournier. “Our students are deserving of recognition and celebration for completing this pivotal chapter. They are now ready to face the new challenges that await them, and we are confident that they are well prepared to do so.” 

Convocation also serves to recognize the exemplary contributions of notable individuals by conferring Doctorates of Civil Law to honourands. The honourands this year are Timothy K. Griffin, Former Chair, Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital, Co-Chair, Leading the Way Capital Campaign (2012-18) and Marie-Philip Poulin, C.Q. Elite Athlete and Canadian Women’s Hockey Ambassador Walter Cup Champion with Montreal’s La Victoire. In addition, the contributions of community engagement award winners will be highlighted during the ceremony and awards for scholastic excellence will be granted. 

Convocation ceremonies will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. for graduands earning bachelor’s degrees from the Schools of Business and Education, master’s degrees, and certificates (Mr. Griffin will receive his honorary degree at this ceremony); and at 2:30 p.m. for graduands earning degrees in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics faculties (Ms. Poulin will receive her honorary degree at this ceremony). 

Graduating students Joseph Aubert and Anastasija Ferraby have been named valedictorians for Convocation 2025 and will deliver their addresses in the morning and afternoon ceremonies, respectively. 

Graduation Celebrations  

In the spirit of acceptance and celebration, special graduation celebrations will highlight graduating Indigenous students, international and Black students will also be celebrated through the acknowledgement of unique achievements of underrepresented student groups. 

Bishop’s International Graduation Celebration 

International students bring unique perspectives, languages, and lived experiences that enrich our campus. This celebration recognizes the additional cultural, academic, and personal transitions these students have navigated, often far from home and in a different language. It offers a platform to celebrate their contributions, resilience, and academic success in a meaningful, inclusive way. Celebrating international graduates underscores the University’s commitment to preparing global citizens and leaders. It reflects a vision of education that crosses borders and fosters intercultural understanding. 

Black Graduation Celebration 

The Black Graduation Celebration is a culturally-affirming celebration that recognizes the unique experiences, resilience, and achievements of Black students. While it does not replace the official University Convocation, this celebration will provide an intentional space for Black students to be honoured in the context of their cultural identity, often reflecting on the additional social, academic, and institutional barriers they have experienced and had to navigate in their academic journey A key element of this celebration is the presentation of the Kente stole which is a handwoven cloth originating from Ghana that symbolizes African heritage, Black pride, and the highest level of academic accomplishment. 

Indigenous Graduation Celebration 

This year marks the fifth Annual Indigenous Graduation Celebration at Bishop’s University. It is an opportunity for First Nation, Métis and Inuit graduates to be acknowledged and honoured by their peers, family and extended community members in an intimate ceremony that celebrates their successes and cultures. Moreover, the celebration will be hosted onsite for the first time at Kwigw8mna, the recently inaugurated space dedicated to Indigenous students.

The 2026 Honourands are:

Timothy K. Griffin
Former Chair, Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital, Co-Chair, Leading the Way Capital Campaign (2012-18)

Tim grew up in Toronto and was the youngest of five in an activity-driven, athletic, and community-minded family. After six years at Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario, he arrived at Bishop’s in 1968 and quickly took advantage of everything the university had to offer from playing on and captaining the varsity soccer team, reporting for The Campus newspaper, co-running the film society, and even taking small roles in the annual drama productions in Centennial Theatre. He graduated with an English major in 1971.

Then began an eclectic, fifteen-year span in everything from sheep farming to book publishing to executive search, when he finally “placed himself” at Royal Trust and began a forty-year career in finance, primarily in investment management. His final position was as Chairman of Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital before fully retiring in 2025.

Tim has been deeply involved in philanthropic endeavours since the early 80s, mostly as a fundraiser. Notably, he was on the board of the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation for thirty years, including six as the Chairman. He continues to volunteer for several organizations such as the Art Canada Institute, Sanctuary Toronto, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, and Tennis Canada. He has also campaigned extensively for Ridley College.

And, last but definitely not least, Tim was a director of the Bishop’s  Foundation for twenty-four years, chairing the Investment Committee for all but his first year on the board, as well as co-chair for the Leading the Way capital campaign (with our current Chancellor!), the most successful in the University’s history, from 2012 to 2018.

Tim has been married to Darka for almost fifty years, is a father of four, and a grandfather to three. He continues to be a national and international level tennis and squash player having competed for Canada on multiple occasions over the last several decades.

Marie-Philip Poulin, C.Q.
Elite Athlete and Canadian Women’s Hockey Ambassador Walter Cup Champion with Montreal’s La Victoire

Marie-Philip Poulin is one of the most accomplished and influential athletes in the history of women’s ice hockey. As captain of the Montreal Victoire in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), she led her team to victory in May 2026, capturing the Walter Cup—the league’s championship trophy—and marking a defining moment in the new era of professional women’s hockey. She also serves as captain of the Canadian national women’s team. She earned the nickname “Captain Clutch” from her teammates in recognition of her outstanding leadership, composure, and ability to excel in decisive moments. In 2025, she won the Billie Jean King trophy for the most valuable player of the PWHL and was named the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Female Player of the Year, further cementing her place among the sport’s all-time greats.

Born in Beauceville, Quebec, Marie-Philip began her athletic journey in figure skating at the age of four before switching to hockey a year later, inspired by her brother. Her early talent quickly became evident, and she represented Team Quebec as a teenager, earning multiple silver medals and individual honours. At just 17, she played for the Montreal Stars in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). She then joined the Boston University Terriers in 2010, where she became one of the top players in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) history, recording 181 points in 111 games. A Patty Kazmaier Award finalist and First Team All-American, she left Boston University as one of its most decorated players and was later inducted into its Hall of Fame.

As captain of Les Canadiennes de Montréal, Marie-Philip led her team to a Clarkson Cup title in 2016. She went on to play a key role in founding the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), championing the growth of women’s hockey and paving the way for future generations. In 2023, she joined Montreal’s Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team—later the Montreal Victoire—where she was named captain.

On the international stage, her achievements are unparalleled. A five-time Olympian, she has won three gold medals (2010, 2014, 2022) and two silver (2018, 2026). She is the only hockey player to score in four Olympic gold medal games and famously netted the game-winning goals in three finals. By 2026, she became the all-time leading goal scorer in Olympic gold medal games in women’s hockey history.

In addition, she has competed in 12 IIHF Women’s World Championships, winning four gold medals, seven silvers, and one bronze. She has earned 15 international medals overall and was named Canadian Press Female Athlete of the Year in 2022. Marie-Philip has also been honoured as a chevalière of the National Order of Québec (Ordre national du Québec).

Beyond her on-ice success, Marie-Philip contributes to the sport as a leader and mentor, including her role as Player Development Consultant with the Montreal Canadiens. Admired for her humility, determination, and leadership, she continues to inspire athletes across Canada and around the world. Her career is defined by her extraordinary performances and her lasting impact on the growth of women’s hockey.

Convocation Website

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Media Inquiries:

Sonia Patenaude
Communications Manager – Bishop’s University
819-342-2587 | sonia.patenaude@ubishops.ca

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