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May 2011 Honorary Degree Recipient

Doctor of Laws (honoris causa)

American poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once espoused this trailblazing philosophy:

鈥淒o not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.鈥�

We鈥檙e not sure whether the Honourable Myra Freeman, who joins us on stage today, ever actually made a conscious decision to follow Emerson鈥檚 philosophy but she has certainly been a 鈥榯railblazer,鈥� nonetheless. Not only is she a trailblazer but, in 2004, she was named one of 100 Outstanding Canadian Women by the Richard Ivey School of Business and the Women鈥檚 Executive Network.

Back in 2000, when Ms. Freeman was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, she made history as the first female vice-regent in 400 years. She also made history as the first Jewish lieutenant-governor in all of Canada.

As the Queen鈥檚 representative, Ms. Freeman served with grace, elegance and unflagging energy. As the honorary patron for more than 70 organizations, she hosted countless receptions, garden parties and levees at Government House; and conducted numerous visits with elementary and high school students throughout the province.

A commitment to community service, with a particular interest in young people, was reflected in her choice of profession. Growing up in Saint John, New Brunswick, Myra Ava Holtzman decided to become a teacher after volunteering with youth groups in her synagogue, with the Girl Guides and at the YWCA. We are very pleased that she later chose to attend 鲍鱼tv University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1970 and a Bachelor of Education in 1971.

For three decades, she worked as an elementary teacher in Halifax, gaining a reputation as a gifted educator. At the same time, she became known for her community spirit, serving on numerous boards and foundations. Political affairs also drew her attention and she organized local and provincial electoral campaigns on behalf of the Liberal Party.

Even as Lieutenant-Governor, Ms. Freeman never really left teaching behind. She encouraged young people to take an active interest in Canadian heritage, volunteerism and public service and established provincial heritage fairs for students in every school board across the province.

She revitalized the vice-regal office during her six-year term, throwing the doors of Government House open and welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. The stately mansion on Barrington Street was transformed into a lively showcase for Nova Scotia鈥檚 visual artists. Her interest in the arts is reflected in the Lieutenant-Governor鈥檚 Masterworks Art Prize, established to recognize and encourage excellence in creative media.

Her commitment to education continues in her current work as president of the advisory council for the Historica Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to helping Canadians discover the fascinating stories that make our country unique.

Along the way, there have been other trailblazing 鈥榝irsts鈥�. When the Order of Nova Scotia, our province鈥檚 highest honour, was established in 2001, she was the first recipient. The Canadian Forces named her as its first honorary captain on behalf of the Navy, and renewed the appointment in 2010.

As befits a royal representative, Ms. Freeman was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. She was invested as a Dame of Justice and Vice Prior of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 2000. And in 2008, she became a member of the Order of Canada, our country鈥檚 highest recognition.

Her contributions and accomplishments have been recognized by many post-secondary institutions. She has honorary degrees from Acadia University, Cape Breton University, Mount Saint Vincent University, St. Francis Xavier University, Saint Mary鈥檚 University, and today, from her alma mater, 鲍鱼tv University.

For her community service and inspirational leadership through her many contributions to education, youth, heritage and the arts, I ask you Mr. Chancellor in the name of the Senate to bestow upon the Honourable Myra Ava Freeman, the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

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