The Fabienne Colas Foundation is pleased to announce that Fabienne Colas, its President and Founder, will be awarded an honorary doctorate from Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. Colas will be the first Haitian-born Quebecer to receive this top honor from Concordia University. This high distinction brings great recognition to the outstanding work she has been doing across Canada and internationally for 20 years as a trailblazer who works tirelessly and passionately to foster, support, and promote Diversity and Inclusion in the arts and in our society.
This coincides with the 20th anniversary of both the Fabienne Colas Foundation and the Montreal International Black Film Festival, as well as the 50th anniversary of Concordia University.
Concordia University will award 8 honorary doctorates at its spring 2024 convocation ceremonies June 4, 5 and 6 in the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of Place des Arts. The recipients will join students from Concordia’s four faculties and the School of Graduate Studies who will be receiving their diplomas.
The 8 honorary doctorate recipients were announced today and were described as: “eight remarkable individuals who have distinguished themselves in the worlds of television and film, applied chemistry, wireless communications, and entrepreneurship. These leaders have also been active in fighting against climate change, poverty, ageism, racism and discrimination.”
An Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Concordia University is awarded to Fabienne Colas based on her remarkable career and commitment to promoting greater representation of cultural diversity in the arts and entertainment worlds in Québec, Canada and internationally.
“Being a recipient of a Doctorate Honoris Causa from Concordia University is a true honor for me and my community,” said Fabienne Colas. “I dedicate this unbelievable recognition to my family, my devoted team at the Fabienne Colas Foundation and to all visible minority artists out there who are working in the shadows or trying to get their voices heard. This Honorary Doctorate encourages me more than ever to continue breaking down barriers and building more bridges.” Mrs. Colas concluded.
The honorary degree will be conferred upon Fabienne Colas, alongside Academy Award nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, at the ceremony held for graduates of the Faculty of Fine Arts on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of Place des Arts in Montréal at 8:00 pm.
Receiving honorary doctorates this year are:
- My Thanh Nguyen, BSc 86, MSc 88 – For his groundbreaking applied chemistry entrepreneurship and philanthropy
- Friederike Otto – For leading research, communication and justice work on humanity’s role in climate change
- Mallikarjun Tatipamula – For his major role in developing mobile technologies
- Frances Northcutt – For her work as an engineer and women’s rights advocate
- Luc Maurice – For his entrepreneurship that champions quality of life for seniors
- Sheila Johnson – For her social leadership as an entrepreneur
- Fabienne Colas, MBA – For promoting cultural diversity through the arts
- Denis Villeneuve – For his outstanding creativity and achievements in cinema