The University of Windsor will award honorary degrees to physician Caroline Hamm and engineering professor emeritus Philip H. Alexander during its 118th Convocation celebration this weekend.

Dr. Hamm is chair of oncology at the Schulich School of Medicine’s Windsor Campus.

More than 2,300 students will gather at the newly-opened Toldo Lancer Centre (TLC) this Friday and Saturday for five sessions of University Convocation. She is the clinical research director of the Windsor Cancer Research Group, working to enhance both local and cross border research initiatives, chairs the Windsor Regional Hospital Research and Academic Committee, and leads the Complex Hematology Program development in Windsor.

Among other honours, Hamm has received the Human Touch Award from Cancer Care Ontario for service and innovation in cancer care; the Summit Award from the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program; and the Glenn Sawyer Service Award for service to the community and the medical profession from the Ontario Medical Association.

She will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at session 1, Friday morning.

Dr. Alexander received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Assumption University in 1963 and a Master of Applied Science degree from the University of Windsor in 1964, both in electrical engineering. Following graduate work at the University of Michigan, he spent his teaching career at the University of Windsor, retiring as associate dean, academic, in the Faculty of Engineering.

His community contributions include serving as a founding member of the board of the North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Centre in Amherstburg, two terms as a member of the board of trustees of the Ontario Science Centre, as an advisor to the Local Youth Network and Community Services Agency of Windsor, and on the Employment Equity Advisory Committees of the Windsor Public Board of Education and Windsor Police Services.

Alexander has been a volunteer committee member of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, was vice-president and convenor for the western region of the Ontario Advisory Council on Multiculturalism and Citizenship, and served on the founding board of the Big Brother Association of Greater Windsor, and on the board of the Windsor YMCA.

He will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at session 3, Saturday morning.