Shirley McClellan, former Alberta politician and a longtime supporter of the Canadian harness racing industry, has been selected as one of nine luminaries who will receive honorary degrees from the University of Alberta this June during the university’s spring convocation ceremonies.

"Honorary degrees are the university's highest honour, recognizing people who inspire our students, who reflect the best of what our university strives to achieve, and who have made remarkable contributions to our community and the world," said Peggy Garritty, University of Alberta chancellor. "At this year's spring convocation, we're proud to honour and celebrate individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents and achievements who certainly meet that bar. Congratulations to this year's honorary degree recipients."

McClellan has an extensive history of civic involvement, support for adult education in Alberta and service through diverse board and advisory roles. In 1987, she was elected for the Chinook constituency and would be re-elected five times in the following years. She held roles in several ministerial portfolios including agriculture, health and community development, as well as deputy premier from 2001 to 2006. After retiring from the government, she accepted an appointment as a Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the U of A and lectured for multiple faculties. She has received honorary degrees from Olds College and the University of Lethbridge, and was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. She currently serves on the board of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and Catholic Health of Alberta.

McClellan was a driving force behind the creation of Horse Racing Alberta and nurtured the organization as past Presdient and CEO helping to grow the vibrant racing industry that exists today in the province. McClellan has championed Alberta breeders and the welfare of workers in racing. She pioneered programs that upgraded language skills for immigrant workers in horse racing and provided formal training programs and accreditation for caretakers and riders. She has worked tirelessly to promote all aspects of horse racing to the public as well as municipal, county and provincial politicians and regulators.

McClellan will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree on June 4.

Scott Graham, Stacy Schiff, Brian Paisley, Bert Crowfoot, Joanne Liu, Temple Grandin, Sir Michael Houghton and Fred Penner will also receive U of A honorary degrees.

(With files from University of Alberta)