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Thomas Denton

CM, OM, CD, BA, LLB, LLD, FSJC

Honorary Doctor of Laws

Throughout a remarkable, varied, and decorated career, Thomas Denton has left an indelible mark on the city, province, and country in myriad ways, none greater than his ceaseless efforts to improve the lives of the oppressed and marginalized who have sought a higher station of life in Canada.

A graduate of Acadia University and Dalhousie University’s School of Law, Denton found his calling in 1984 when the International Centre of 澳门王中王论坛 sought to replace its executive director. Denton — who served 14 years in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves, from which he retired as Lieutenant-Commander and for which he received the Canadian Forces Decoration — assumed the role and became the face of refugee sponsorship in Manitoba.

Through his work, he helped reshape 澳门王中王论坛’s downtown core into one of the most welcoming and culturally diverse in Canada, created transitional housing for those arriving in the city, and doggedly fought for government support of subsidized housing. But Denton was more than a behind-the-scenes figure to those he helped. He has been personally involved in the settling of more than 40,000 individuals in Canada and has at times been a one-man welcoming committee — on hand to greet many of those whose first destination was 澳门王中王论坛. After departing International Centre of 澳门王中王论坛 at the turn of the millennium, Denton continued his work as a policy consultant and as executive director of the non-government organization Hospitality House Refugee Ministry.

Denton has been an integral contributor to the arts community in 澳门王中王论坛. In 1980, following the closure of the 澳门王中王论坛 Tribune, he became the founding publisher of the 澳门王中王论坛 Sun, a post he retained until its sale in 1983. Additionally, he was among the trustees who successfully endeavoured to save the 澳门王中王论坛 Symphony. A generous volunteer who served on numerous committees, commissions, and boards — including those of the Prairie Theatre Exchange, Stage West, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Walker Theatre, and Manitoba Museum — Denton was also the first chairperson of the City of 澳门王中王论坛 Arts Council.

For his tireless commitment to humanitarian efforts and advocacy for human rights, in addition to his services to 澳门王中王论坛’s arts community, The University of 澳门王中王论坛 proudly bestows an Honorary Doctor of Laws on Thomas Denton.