Joan Ivory to receive honorary doctorate

McGill’s highest honour to be awarded as part of Fall Convocation
Photo of Joan Ivory
Joan Ivory receives honorary doctorate

McGill University will be celebrating outstanding philanthropist Joan Ivory at the Fall Convocation ceremony on Dec. 2, 2024. She will become Doctor of Music, honoris causa.

McGill grants honorary degrees to individuals who have lifetime records of outstanding scholarly, scientific or artistic achievement, or who have made exceptional contributions to the public good.

“Joan Ivory has distinguished herself as an exceptional philanthropist with her tireless work in the arts, education and health,” said Professor Deep Saini, McGill President and Vice-Chancellor.

“For over 70 years, she has supported McGill University, most notably its affiliated hospitals and the Schulich School of Music.”

McGill in general, Music in particular

The Montreal-born Ivory’s service to McGill began during her undergraduate studies, when she began lending a hand as a member of the Scarlet Key Society. Her first financial contribution to the University was in 1954, the year she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology. She has contributed ever since.

Passionate about arts and culture, Ivory earned a diploma from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts school in 1955. She maintained that relationship through fundraising and leading initiatives on behalf of the museum.

A member of the Schulich School of Music Faculty Advisory Board since 1998, Ivory has supported everything from student travel to the Marvin Duchow Music Library.

“Over the years, Joan Ivory has provided wise counsel to me and other Deans of Music,” said Sean Ferguson, Dean, Schulich School of Music.

“She is focused on the most important needs of our students, including that they have the instruments needed to perform key works from the orchestral repertoire. This led to her spearheading the New Instruments Fund, among other important initiatives.”

Dedicated to health care

As a board member of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Ivory has advocated for an array of measures aimed at improving patient care. She was also active in consolidating at the Glen site the Royal Victoria, Montreal Chest Institute, Montreal Children’s and Shriners’ hospitals.

Through her support of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and The Neuro, Ivory has further contributed to advancing medical research and training initiatives.

Among her many awards for service, Ivory has received:

  • The E.P. Taylor Award (2008)
  • The Order of Canada (2015)
  • The Distinguished Service Award (2016)