Capilano University announces 2026 honorary degree recipients and academic emeritus honourees

Release date: May 28, 2026

Tag(s): Alumni, Awards & Accolades, News & Announcements

News release: CapU announces 2026 honorary degree recipients and academic emeritus honourees (PDF)

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C., May 28, 2026—Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to announce the university will be honouring four exemplary individuals with an honorary doctorate degree and two esteemed colleagues with the title of academic emeritus at the spring 2026 convocation ceremonies taking place June 9–11, 2026. 

The honorary doctorate is CapU’s highest form of recognition; it is given to people who have made significant contributions to others through their work or voluntary pursuits. Academic emeritus is a title awarded to retirees who have demonstrated outstanding service to CapU and to their discipline, and who continue to be active professionally beyond retirement. 

This year, CapU is pleased to recognize and honour the following individuals: 

Honorary doctorate recipients 

Sandra Djwa, CM, PhD, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa 
Author, editor and recipient of the Governor General’s Award (non-fiction) and Order of Canada 

Marcus Mosely, Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa 
Singer, choir conductor, educator, actor and performer 

Nancy Stibbard, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa 
Owner and CEO of the Capilano Group 

találsamkin siyám Chief Bill Williams, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (posthumous) 
Squamish Nation Elder 

Academic emeritus recipients 

Roy Jantzen, Academic Emeritus 
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Management, Faculty of Global & Community Studies 

Janet Waters, PhD, Academic Emeritus 
Psychology, Faculty of Arts & Sciences 

Sandra Djwa, CM, PhD, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa 
Dr. Sandra Djwa, who has a doctorate in English from the University of British Columbia, broke through a number of academic glass ceilings in her resolve to document Canada’s diverse literary landscape and establish the study of Canadian literature as an independent discipline. The North Shore resident had an almost four-decade career at Simon Fraser University, during which she co-founded The Association of Canadian and Quebec Literatures, was the first woman to review the year’s work in poetry in the University of Toronto Quarterly, and received both a Governor General’s Award for non-fiction and the Order of Canada. She has written or edited more than a dozen books, and her memoir Ground to Stand On: A Canadian Literary Life was released in May 2026.  

Marcus Mosely, Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa 
A gifted singer, choir conductor, educator, actor and performer, Marcus has spent the past 40 years engaging, encouraging and inspiring communities through ensembles, choirs, gospel workshops and hosting radio shows on CBC radio. He is always an advocate for cultural awareness and understanding. Nominated for a Juno Award, founding a choral ensemble, taking to the stage, the Capilano University alumnus continues to make an impact in the community and the arts.  

Nancy Stibbard, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa 
Nancy Stibbard is one of British Columbia’s leading tourism entrepreneurs and a champion of sustainable, experience-based travel. As owner and CEO of the Capilano Group, anchored by the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, she oversees a portfolio of hospitality businesses designed to connect visitors with authentic nature-based Canadian experiences. A driving force in the province’s tourism industry, Stibbard helped establish organizations such as the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia and the Vancouver Attractions Group, and has contributed extensively to Destination British Columbia, Tourism Vancouver and numerous advisory boards. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park exceeds $1 million in charitable and community donations annually, including donation passes.  

találsamkin siyám Chief Bill Williams, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (posthumous) 
Chief Bill Williams, találsamkin siyám, dedicated his life to serving the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and protecting its cultural and environmental heritage. He embraced the responsibility of safeguarding Squamish traditions while addressing the challenges of modern governance. His work spans decades of service, including roles as band manager, elected council member and lead negotiator for Aboriginal Rights & Title. Under his leadership, the Squamish Nation expanded its governance capacity, growing from a modest organization to one with 375 staff and a $100-million budget. Chief Williams was instrumental in securing over $3.6 billion in property acquisitions and protecting more than 20,000 hectares of wilderness through the X̱ay Temíxw (Sacred Land Use Plan). 

More information on the 2026 honorary degree recipients

Roy Jantzen, Academic Emeritus 
For over three decades, Jantzen has helped educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and our human place within it. Though he has a passion for local ecosystems and the species that inhabit them, he also has a strong desire to relate the environment to our lives and larger issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals, planetary boundaries and our personal ecological footprints. Jantzen is passionate about helping his students become the next generation to answer the call of creating a sustainable planet, and asks, “Shouldn’t all education be environmental education?” 

Janet Waters, PhD, Academic Emeritus 
Dr. Janet Waters, who holds a doctorate in psychology from Simon Fraser University, devoted 36 years to Capilano University alongside a concurrent four-decade career in clinical practice, research and non-profit leadership, reflects an extraordinary commitment to scholarship, service and transformative education. Her most significant institutional contribution was the conception, development and successful launch of the Applied Bachelor of Arts in psychology with an honours option. As chair of the psychology program development committee, she led years of consultation, authored the full degree proposal and embedded innovative commitments to mental health, sustainability and decolonization. Her work with Indigenous Elders and scholars established enduring values of reconciliation and inclusion within the program. 

Photos and more information on the 2026 academic emeritus honourees

Submitted by: Communications