BRANDON, MB – A mental health advocate and an historian will be awarded Honorary Degrees from Brandon University (BU) later this month during the annual Spring Convocation.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Laine Summerville is a tireless advocate for recovery-oriented mental health services addressing social prejudice, discrimination and social inclusion. Working both in the United States and Canada, Dr. Summerville has served as teacher, pastor, counselor, and mental health specialist. He is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and Executive Director of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, Inc. He has contributed to more than two dozen boards including the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Lyle Dick has authored more than 100 publications in the fields of Arctic, Canadian, and American history and historiography, including four books. In 2012, following a 35-year career with Parks Canada, he became the principal of Lyle Dick History and Heritage in Vancouver. He is Past-President of the Canadian Historical Association, and recent member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. He currently serves on advisory committees for the Canadian Museum of History and the National Capital Commission in Ottawa. Lyle’s work stresses the importance of local knowledge and respect for diversity as key components of cultural survival, for both small communities and Canada.
Mr. Dick earned his B.A. from Brandon University in 1972 and M.A. from the University of Manitoba in 1978. Dr. Summerville grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and currently resides in Steinbach, MB. His educational background includes studies in religion, psychology, pastoral care, counseling, and mental health, with a Bachelor of Arts from Samford University (Birmingham, Alabama), Master of Divinity and Master of Missiology degrees from Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, Mississippi), and an earned doctoral degree from Dallas Theological Seminary: Doctor of Ministry (Dallas, Texas).
BU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Poff says, “The choice of these two recipients of honorary doctorates at this year’s convocations speak to two particular strengths at Brandon University – our focus on Health Studies and on Humanities. In particular, Reverend Summerville brings a life time of commitment and care as a leader in the field of mental health. Mr. Dick has had a prolific career as a scholar of history.”
Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.
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For more information, please contact:
Dr. Deborah Poff
President and Vice-Chancellor
204-727-7427
Poffd@brandonu.ca
Kristen Fisher
Office of the President
204-727-9714
fisherk@brandonu.ca
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
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