In a ceremony marked by both academic distinction and public recognition of extraordinary service, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon one of British Columbia’s most influential public health voices of the past decade.
Dr. Bonnie Henry, who guided the province through the tumultuous years of the COVID-19 pandemic as Provincial Health Officer, received the institution’s highest honor during spring convocation ceremonies held last weekend at the Abbotsford campus.
“The depth of Dr. Henry’s contribution to public health in our province represents the pinnacle of public service,” remarked UFV President Dr. James Manderson during the conferral. “Her leadership during unprecedented times demonstrated not only scientific expertise but a profound ability to communicate complex health information with clarity and compassion.”
The honorary degree recognizes Henry’s comprehensive career in public health leadership, which spans over two decades of service at provincial, national, and international levels. Before becoming the face of British Columbia’s pandemic response, Henry distinguished herself through her work on numerous public health challenges including the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto, the 2014 Ebola crisis in Uganda, and the polio eradication initiative in Pakistan.
“Public health work fundamentally exists at the intersection of science and society,” Henry noted in her acceptance address. “This recognition from UFV is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges that successful health leadership requires more than medical knowledge—it demands engagement with communities, respect for diverse perspectives, and commitment to transparent communication.”
The ceremony highlighted Henry’s unique approach to public health communication, which became known for her signature phrase “be kind, be calm, be safe“—words that resonated deeply with British Columbians navigating the uncertainty of the pandemic.
Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Elizabeth Chen explained the selection process: “Honorary degree recipients must demonstrate exceptional achievement in their field and embody values that align with our institutional mission. Dr. Henry’s evidence-based approach to public health challenges, coupled with her genuine concern for community wellbeing, exemplifies the type of leadership we aspire to instill in our graduates.”
The recognition comes as many public health officials across Canada have faced intense scrutiny and, in some cases, backlash for decisions made during the pandemic. UFV’s decision to honor Henry acknowledges the complexity of leading during public health emergencies and the importance of maintaining scientific integrity under pressure.
Several UFV health sciences students attended the ceremony, with many expressing inspiration from Henry’s career trajectory. “Seeing someone who has navigated such complex public health challenges with both scientific rigor and humanity gives me a model for the kind of health professional I hope to become,” said Priya Sharma, a fourth-year public health student.
The honorary doctorate represents the latest in a series of recognitions for Henry’s contributions to public health. In 2020, she was appointed to the Order of British Columbia and received the Public Health Agency of Canada’s highest honor for exceptional contributions to public health in Canada.
As our healthcare systems continue to evolve post-pandemic, what role should public health leaders play in shaping both policy and public understanding of complex health issues beyond emergency response?
