Paul Martin, former PM, to receive honorary degree at Manitoba's Brandon University

A former prime ministerwill be sitting amongthemore than 500 students being honoured at spring convocation at Manitoba's Brandon University Friday.

Paul Martin, who served as prime minister from 2003 to 2006, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the post-secondary institution at a ceremony in the morning.

• Paul Martin's portrait unveiled on Parliament Hill

Martin was nominated through a call out at the university and selected for the degree by the school's senate and board.

Honorary degrees are presented to those who have shown excellence in professional life or public service, in their service to the university or to be recognized for their research or teaching.

Gervan Fearon, BU's president and vice-chancellor, said Martin's aboriginal education initiatives and the leadership he's shown nationally are just two of the reasons he was selected.

"Fifteen per cent of our student population are Indigenous students and as a result I think his presence will say a lot toour students," Fearon said. "As well as say a lot to the efforts that we've been making here at BU in relation to Indigenous education initatives."

An honorary degree is the university's highest honour, Fearon said.

University community enthusiastic

"It's been just a lot of enthusiasm across the university community," he said. "We have a wonderful community here in Brandon that very much respects a lot of the efforts that he's made on a number of areas."

Martin will also address the graduating students Friday morning.

"I think that graduation as a whole is a memorable moment.I think this will stand out for all of our students as a most significant moment in their educational career and in their life," Fearon said. "The opportunity to hear directly from a former prime minister at their graduation will inspire them."

Prime minister and premier among alumni

That honour means Brandon University will have both a prime minister and premier among alumni. Current Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister is a graduate of Brandon University.

"I think I'll be just as excited as the students to see him [Martin] here," Fearon said.

Martin was Canada's 21stprime minister.

Longtime Manitoba radio host and executive EricFriesenwill also receive an honorary degree at a ceremony in the afternoon.