Former provincial and federal public servant, social worker, counsellor, volunteer and agent for social change, Patsy George, OC, OBC, is receiving an Honorary Doctorate from University Canada West.
She has fostered innovation and social change in communities across British Columbia and Canada for more than 55 years.
"Patsy George has devoted more than 55 years to building a more just, inclusive and compassionate Canada. It is a profound honour to recognize her extraordinary legacy with an Honorary Doctorate from University Canada West,” said Dr. Bashir Makhoul, UCW President & Vice-Chancellor.
She was born and raised in Kerala, India, but came to Canada to pursue her post-secondary education and training in social work with a keen interest in community development.
Patsy retired from Public Services in 2001 after having served in various capacities in Public Welfare, Child Welfare, Community Development and as the Director of Multiculturalism and Immigrant and Settlement Services with the Government of BC, among other roles.
She has generously volunteered her time both locally and globally.
She works with the United Nations Association in Canada, Stephen Lewis Foundation, Canadian Crossroads International and Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women.
She was a founding director of Pacific Immigrant Society, a group specializing in immigrant and refugee women’s development, as well as Immigrant and Visible Women of Canada.
Currently, Patsy serves as the Co-President of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Canada, addressing the root causes of violence, challenging militarism, and promoting inclusive peace building.
“One may not succeed at every step as we face turbulence. Remember the future is something you create,” she said during her convocation address.
“May each of you be blessed with opportunities to fulfill your life's potential. Seek the truth and contribute to the betterment of humanity no matter where or how you pursue your career goals.”
She advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples and was invited by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to become an Honorary Witness, the only Social Worker in all of Canada to be called up on to do so and was quoted in the Final Report of the Commission.
She has received many awards for her tireless efforts, including the Diamond and Golden Jubilee medals celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada. Patsy was honoured by M.O.S.A.I.C with the Human Rights Award and the City of Vancouver with the Civic Merit Award. The Senate of Canada recognized her with a medal on the 150th anniversary of the Senate.
She was recognized as the Social Worker of the Year by the Canadian Association of Social Workers, Deryck Thompson Award for Community Social Planning by the Social Planning and Research Council of BC, Women of Our Times Working Together for a Better Canada by the Congress of Black Women Foundation and the President’s Award of Distinction by the United Way.
Patsy George will receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from University Canada West on July 14.
