Campus Life

Entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson to receive U of L honorary degree at Fall 2018 Convocation

The University of Lethbridge is proud to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of venture capitalist Arlene Dickinson by presenting her with an honorary degree at the Fall 2018 Convocation ceremony.

Best known as one of the stars of the CBC series Dragons’ Den, Dickinson has captured the hearts of many with her positive attitude, encouraging words and forthrightness.

Best known as one of the stars of the CBC series Dragons’ Den, Dickinson has captured the hearts of many with her positive attitude, encouraging words and forthrightness.

“Arlene Dickinson is an outstanding example of a fearless entrepreneur who recognized opportunity and achieved great success through her exceptional business acumen,” says U of L Chancellor Janice Varzari. “She has since made the most of that success by giving back to society as a generous philanthropist and serving as an inspiration to countless Canadians looking to make their own mark in the business world.”

The University will present Dickinson with a doctor of laws, honoris causa, at the Fall 2018 Convocation Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.

Arlene Dickinson

Arlene Dickinson had a high school diploma and four young children when she divorced at age 31. Armed only with a grade 12 education and a need to support her family as a single parent, nothing indicated that she’d one day become a business tycoon.

Her divorce was the turning point that motivated Dickinson to prove she could independently support her children. A year later, she became a partner in Venture Communications, then a small agency based in Calgary. Ten years later, Dickinson became the CEO and transformed the company into one of the largest independent marketing firms in the country. She used her core values — authenticity, honesty and reciprocity — as the foundation of her business relations, an approach that has served her well.

Today, she has extended her passion for growing Canadian entrepreneurs by founding the country’s first accelerator for food, beverage and health companies, and building a venture capital fund focused on investing in innovative entrepreneurs.

Dickinson has been recognized with the Pinnacle Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, as well as Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100, and Chatelaine’s and PROFIT’s top 100 women business owners.

A generous philanthropist, she dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. She is an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Dickinson is also an author, including the bestselling Persuasion and All In, with a third book in the works. Both titles are available for sale in the University Bookstore.

Unfortunately, Dickinson is unable to attend Fall 2018 Convocation due to illness.