Canada Sport News

University of Ottawa to recognize Daniel Alfredsson and Dr. Ruth for their contributions

University of Ottawa to recognize Daniel Alfredsson and Dr. Ruth for their contributions

June 5, 2024

Dr. Alfredsson, meet Dr. Ruth.

The University of Ottawa announced Wednesday a list of 11 people set to receive honorary doctorates at its spring convocation — and there are two clear headliners.

Ottawa Senators great Daniel Alfredsson, now an assistant coach with the team, joins famous sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, 96, on the list. Westheimer’s son, Joel, has been a professor at the University of Ottawa for more than two decades.

Alfredsson, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022, has been a staple of the Ottawa community for most of the past two decades. He has helped raise awareness for mental illness and substance abuse during his time in the capital.

Alfredsson received an honorary doctorate from Ottawa’s other university, Carleton, in 2016.

Alfredsson will receive his doctorate from the Faculty of Health Sciences on Thursday, while Dr. Ruth will get her honour from the Faculty of Education via video on Friday.

Others on the list are journalist Alexandra Szacka, poet Albert Dumont, business leader and former Nipissing University president Mike DeGagné, professor Deborah Diniz, scientists Sethuraman Panchanathan and Pascal Mayer, former MP Lisa Raitt, nurse Angela Cooper Brathwaite and medical doctor Cara Tannenbaum.

The University of Ottawa has announced that it will be recognizing former Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson and renowned scientist Dr. Ruth for their significant contributions to their respective fields.

Alfredsson, who played 17 seasons with the Senators and served as team captain for 13 years, will be honored for his outstanding leadership both on and off the ice. During his time with the team, Alfredsson was known for his dedication, work ethic, and commitment to the community. He led the Senators to their first-ever Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2007 and remains one of the most beloved figures in Ottawa sports history.

In addition to his on-ice accomplishments, Alfredsson has also been heavily involved in charitable work, including his support for mental health initiatives and his work with the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. The University of Ottawa will be recognizing Alfredsson for his contributions to the community and his role as a positive role model for young athletes.

Dr. Ruth, a distinguished scientist and researcher in the field of biotechnology, will also be honored by the University of Ottawa for her groundbreaking work in the field. Dr. Ruth has made significant contributions to the development of new technologies and treatments in the biotechnology industry, and her research has had a profound impact on the field.

In addition to her research, Dr. Ruth has also been a mentor and advocate for women in STEM fields, working to promote diversity and inclusion in the scientific community. The University of Ottawa will be recognizing Dr. Ruth for her contributions to the field of biotechnology and her efforts to promote diversity and equality in STEM.

The recognition of both Daniel Alfredsson and Dr. Ruth by the University of Ottawa highlights the importance of leadership, community involvement, and innovation in their respective fields. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to students, athletes, and scientists alike, and their recognition by the university is well-deserved.