It was November 2016, and Jasper Avenue was bustling with activity. A friend and I were standing in line eagerly awaiting a concert. The headliner? Beloved Canadian children’s entertainer, Fred Penner. We heard that he would be performing “The Cat Came Back” and other classic songs for generations of now-adults raised on his music, and we just had to go.
The moment Fred walked on stage the room erupted as if a rockstar had just arrived. Fred’s lyrics, many of which encourage kindness, empathy and silliness, came flooding back as if my soul had a giant hole in it that was suddenly being filled after 30 years of adulting. As Fred was singing “Sandwiches” to an enthusiastic group of thirty-somethings, a fortuitous thought popped into my head. I recalled hearing that anyone could nominate someone for a University of Alberta honorary degree. “I’m anyone,” I thought to myself and this magical and surprisingly powerful moment was, in my mind, the embodiment of the joy that U of A graduates should aspire to spread in the world.
In 2021, after watching Take Good Care of Each Other: The Fred Penner Story, I finally decided to kick start my nomination project. Now, I want to share my honorary degree nomination adventure, and I encourage everyone in the U of A community to follow the process and submit a nomination.
Step 1: Get creative
First, I had to find three to five “informed and distinguished referees” who would be willing to write letters of support for my application, but when you have no direct connection to the nominee, you lean on those you know. I started by reaching out to my fellow alumni with connections to the Canadian television and film industry, which paid off when I met one of Fred’s former concert promoters and original member of the Fred Penner’s Place writing team. I also cold-messaged notable Canadian musicians Ron Sexsmith and John-Angus MacDonald (they replied!) and an Assistant Professor in the University of Alberta’s Department of Music. When you nominate someone great, it becomes very easy to find people who are happy to join you on your nomination journey!
Step 2: Find the facts
After collecting my reference letters, (one of which recounted a time when the author’s purse was stolen and Fred chased down the thief and saved the day — you can’t make this stuff up!) I needed to ensure that the bibliographic summary of Fred’s charitable and artistic achievements was accurate. Wikipedia is good for some things, but an agent is better, and their contact information was right there on Fred’s official website. After explaining my top-secret endeavor (the application notes that the nominee should be kept in the dark during the process), I sent them the information I needed and they returned the completed biography including Fred’s achievements in philanthropy and musical accomplishments. Mission accomplished!
Step 3: Speak from the heart
Part of the honorary degree nomination application requires that the nominator write a summary statement of impact. I don’t know Fred personally, but he was basically a third (television) parent, so I spoke about the ways he impacted me and millions of other children, both in Canada and the United States, for decades. I also shared my nostalgic concert experience that left an indelible impression on me, and spoke of his passionate involvement in the Down Syndrome community. I submitted my application and waited.
When I received the call that Fred was selected for an honorary degree and had accepted the invitation, "elated" cannot even begin to describe my reaction. In some small way I was able to thank and honor the man who taught me to be kind, caring, responsible and best of all, silly; the man whose songs became the soundtrack to the most formative years of my life and shaped the way I think about the world.
On June 15, 2023, Mr. Fred Penner was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree during the spring convocation ceremony. Watching Fred deliver a tear-jerker of a convocation speech, guitar in hand, and later meeting him, his wife and his sisters was an incredible experience. I also noticed that some members of the platform party looked just as starstruck as I was, adding to the warm and fuzzy feelings that permeated the air inside the Jubilee Auditorium. The university Senate threw one heck of a party (believe the hype), and it was a day I will never forget!
I sincerely hope that this story reminds you of somebody you know who inspires the human spirit through outstanding achievements in learning, discovery and citizenship in a creative community. After all, anyone can nominate an honorary degree recipient, and that "anyone" could be you!
