Daniel and Henrik Sedin will be in Surrey tomorrow to receive honorary degrees from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
The longtime Vancouver Canucks stars will be honoured at a convocation ceremony at KPU’s Surrey campus on Thursday (June 1).
The honorary degrees will be given to the hockey-playing twins by KPU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Davis, “for the citizenship, sportsmanship, civility, respect, and care they demonstrate both on and off the ice” here in B.C.
“I’m a Canucks fan, and it goes without saying the Sedins are exceptionally skilled players whose leadership, talent and hard work give the Canucks an edge that is unparalleled,” Davis stated.
“But what people may not know about the Sedins is that they demonstrate the same integrity and selflessness off the ice through their service to their communities, and in particular to children in those communities.”
The Sedins support a number of local charities, including the Canucks For Kids Fund, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Canucks Autism Network, BC Children’s Hospital and the Canucks Family Education Centre.
Also, the Sedin Family Foundation was established by Henrik, his wife Johanna, Daniel and his wife Marinette to celebrate people, recognize achievement and support children’s health, education and family wellness.
The foundation supports Clubhouse 36, in partnership with Surrey School District and the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. Launched in 2015, Clubhouse 36 aims to provide “consistent, connected and professionally operated” programming for at-risk and vulnerable Surrey students. The program runs for four days a week at three inner-city elementary schools with full-day programming during spring and summer breaks.
At Clubhouse 36, students are encouraged to try a wide variety of new activities, develop new passions and interests, and consider new goals for their future.
Clubhouse36 video
“We are proud to present these degrees to Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and now count them among our alumni as they are examples of everything that is good in people,” Davis added.
At KPU, honorary degrees are awarded to people in recognition of dignified achievements or outstanding service to the public.
Members of the university community and the community at large are invited to nominate candidates, which include distinguished scholars, creative artists, public servants, prominent people in the community and the professions, and others who have made significant contributions locally, nationally or globally.
