Community leader Carlota Lee will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on June 9 and Leonard George, PhD, will be named Faculty Emeritus by Capilano University on June 8 as part of the University’s Spring 2022 convocation ceremonies.
Community champion and event organizer Carlota Lee played a pivotal role in the development plans for CapU’s Centre for Childhood Studies. As co-chair of the capital campaign, Lee built a community of supporters for CapU now committed to strengthening society through exceptional, accessible childcare and early childhood education training. Beyond the university, she has chaired the Odlum Brown Vancouver Open—one of North America’s most skilled tennis tournament teams—and managed the Pro-Am fundraiser, players’ social and the North Shore billeting program, which has been integral to the success of the Odlum Brown tournament. An avid marathon runner, Carlota was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and has become involved in advocacy and fundraising for Parkinson’s research.
Leonard George, PhD, is an accomplished psychologist, writer, educator and broadcaster. As a clinical psychologist for 19 years, he specialized in assessing and treating psychotic disorders, seizure disorders, acute and chronic pain, and traumas such as severe burns and animal maulings. Returning to academia, he brought his expertise to CapU and taught for 15 years. As a faculty member in both the psychology and music therapy departments, he taught a range of courses including some he developed for the university. He served as chair of both the psychology department and School of Social Sciences, leading through change with dedication, grace and optimism. As founder of Capilano Universe, an education partnership with local public libraries, his community-building legacy lives on in the regions served by CapU.
An honorary doctorate degree is the highest form of recognition granted by Capilano University. It is bestowed upon profound exemplars of service and achievement who are distinguished in their professional pursuits and broader endeavours. The Faculty Emeritus designation is reserved for retired faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding service to Capilano University and to their discipline and who continue to be active professionally in retirement.
