Divinity Convocation 2019

Trinity College is pleased to announce that the Rev’d Nadim Nassar and Mr. John H. (Jack) Whiteside will receive honorary degrees and 17 students will graduate from Trinity College at Divinity Convocation 2019 on Tuesday, May 7.

“It’s a great honour to be able to acknowledge these two outstanding individuals – Fr. Nadim Nassar and alumnus Jack Whiteside – for their dedication to Trinity College and their years of service and contributions to the community,” said The Rev. Dr. Chris Brittain, Dean of Divinity and Margaret E. Fleck Chair in Anglican Studies at Trinity College. “Our students of the Class of 2019 are a remarkable group and a credit to Trinity College and the Toronto School of Theology. We are immensely proud of our graduates and we look forward to their many contributions to the church and wider society.”

This year, 17 Faculty of Divinity students will be graduating – among them, 13 will receive Master’s degrees and four will receive Doctoral degrees, which are awarded conjointly with the University of Toronto.

The Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) will be conferred upon The Rev’d Nadim Nassar in recognition of his championship of human rights and for his co-founding of the Awareness Foundation, which promotes peace through public education and advocacy internationally and delivers programs for children in Syria and Iraq. The Rev’d Nassar will also deliver the Convocation address to students.

The Doctor of Sacred Letters (honoris causa) will be conferred upon John H. Whiteside in recognition of his exceptional dedication and his many years of quiet philanthropy and active support, dedicated not only to Trinity College but also to the wider arts community in this province.

“We are grateful for Jack’s passionate support of our students. Through the establishment of the John Harvey Whiteside Scholarship – which provides an incredible $15,000 per year for three years – our wonderful students can pursue their education and fully engage in the university experience,” Trinity College Provost Mayo Moran said. “We look forward to celebrating with our honorees and graduands at Divinity Convocation, and welcome our graduating class to our alumni community.”

The Faculty of Divinity Convocation 2019 will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:30 pm in Strachan Hall (Trinity College at 6 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto). All are welcome; this is a non-ticketed event. All guests are invited to join in a reception in Seeley Hall after the ceremony. If you have any questions, please contact provoffice@trinity.utoronto.ca.

The following honorary degrees will be conferred at Divinity Convocation 2019:

The Rev’d Nadim Nassar

Nadim Nassar was brought up in a large Christian family in Lattakia, Syria. His studies in Beirut at the Near East School of Theology between 1981 and 1988 during the Lebanese Civil War often put his life at risk and had a profound effect on him. He was ordained by the Bishop of London at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square in 2004.

The Rev’d Nassar speaks and teaches in the Middle East, North America, Europe and Asia. He gives frequent public lectures for many organizations, including the Al-Khoei Foundation, the Post-Davos Nordic Summit and the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. He advises the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Religious Freedom and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. His upbringing in the Middle East and his great understanding of the Abrahamic faiths mean he is uniquely placed to offer an authentic Christian voice to other faiths, especially Islam.

He preaches at churches across London and worldwide and is sought after by broadcast, print and social media outlets. His deep spirituality is enlivened by an engaging sense of humour and the ability to forge deep friendships and enduring relationships among people of faith – and those coming to faith.

His work and the work of the Awareness Foundation in Syria and Iraq, supported by prayerful partners and donors from around the globe, is life-giving.

The Rev’d Nadim Nassar will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa), and will be presented by Mr. James Appleyard and hooded by The Very Rev’d Andrew Asbil.

Mr. John H. Whiteside

John H. (Jack) Whiteside graduated from Trinity College in 1963. He was awarded a French Government Scholarship and spent a year studying at the University of Paris, which resulted in a lifelong appreciation of French language and culture.

In 1967, he graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto and joined the law firm Fraser & Beatty. He became a partner and practised law there for several decades until his retirement a few years ago.

Jack exemplifies qualities that can invigorate and motivate a college community, in which the challenges are considerable and he has made a difference in how the college meet those challenges. In 2010, the John Harvey Whiteside scholarship was established, which is one of his best-known College contributions. His public service and support extends beyond the college to many major cultural organizations.

John H. Whiteside will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Sacred Letters (honoris causa), and will be presented by Mrs. Catherine Graham and hooded by Ms. Christine Suttcliffe.

Categories: Announcements; Awards & Honours; Theology