Honorary degree citation - Sylvia Schmelkes

By: Catherine Vallejo, June 2019

Mr. Chancellor, it is my honour to present to you Ms. Sylvia Schmelkes, sociologist and education researcher.

Au fil des quatre dernières décennies, Madame Schmelkes a occupé des fonctions de premier plan en recherche, en défense des droits et en élaboration de politiques dans le domaine de l’éducation à l’échelle nationale et internationale, faisant souvent œuvre de pionnière.

She has been one of Latin America’s leading proponents of “intercultural education.” The approach was developed to create a respect for diversity and level asymmetrical standards in her native Mexico, a country which, as she has noted, has 68 different languages and no centralized culture.

Her leadership has created improved living conditions for the country’s most underprivileged groups and led to the founding of nine intercultural universities that primarily serve its Indigenous populations.

Concordia a toujours soutenu que l’éducation devait être largement accessible pour favoriser le développement personnel et social. As our university continues this tradition of inclusivity with its Indigenous Directions initiative, Ms. Schmelkes’ leadership and integrity provide an inspiring model.

Mr. Chancellor, on behalf of Senate and the Board of Governors, it is my privilege and honour to present to you Ms. Sylvia Schmelkes, so that you may confer upon her the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.