Saint Mary’s University will award honorary doctorates at its 2026 Spring Convocation to two distinguished alumni whose leadership, service, and lasting contributions have shaped communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Spring Convocation will take place in May on Saint Mary’s campus, bringing together graduates, families, and the university community to celebrate achievement, leadership, and impact. Honorary degrees, which are among the university’s highest distinctions, recognize individuals whose accomplishments reflect Saint Mary’s values of excellence, service, and community engagement.
Sanjeev Chowdhury
Sanjeev Chowdhury BComm’89, a graduate of Saint Mary’s University, has built an accomplished career in Canada’s foreign service, representing the country on the global stage for over three decades.
Sanjeev Chowdhury
After earning his Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University, where he served as President of the Students’ Association, Chowdhury pursued graduate studies in international management before joining Canada’s diplomatic corps. Over the course of his career, he has served in key postings around the world, including Mumbai, Ho Chi Minh City, Rio de Janeiro, and Bangkok.
As a Senior Trade Commissioner in Thailand, he played a significant role in advancing Canada’s international trade relationships, ultimately becoming the longest-serving Canadian diplomat at the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok. His diplomatic career also included appointments as Consul General and leadership roles during major international events, including the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Chowdhury’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including international medals and Canada’s Foreign Service Officer of the Year Award. His work reflects a sustained commitment to global engagement, public service, and strengthening Canada’s presence abroad.
He will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, at the Sobey School of Business Convocation on May 27 at 2 p.m.
Charles (Chuck) R. Bridges
Charles (Chuck) R. Bridges
Charles (Chuck) R. Bridges EMBA’92 is a respected business leader, communications strategist, and long-term contributor to Saint Mary’s University and the broader Nova Scotia community.
With a career span of more than four decades, Bridges has held senior leadership roles across major organizations, including the Discovery Center and Atlantic Lottery Corporation, where he led corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications initiatives. Known for his ability to build partnerships across sectors, his work has had a lasting impact on organizational development and community collaboration.
Bridges dedicated more than 20 years to Saint Mary’s University, serving in progressively senior roles, including Director of Public Affairs, Director of External Affairs, and Vice-President (Associate), External Affairs. During his tenure, he played a central role in advancing the university’s profile, leading a comprehensive branding initiative that strengthened its position as an internationally recognized institution and supporting major fundraising efforts that generated significant philanthropic investment.
His commitment to community service is equally notable. Bridges has contributed to numerous initiatives at the municipal, provincial, and national levels, including leadership roles with the 2011 Canada Winter Games Host Society, the Halifax Commonwealth Games bid, and United Way Halifax. His contributions have helped strengthen cultural, civic, and economic development across the region.
Recognized for his integrity, collaborative leadership, and enduring commitment to community, Bridges continues to exemplify the values of service and excellence that define Saint Mary’s University.
He will receive a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa, at the Arts Convocation on May 29 at 10 a.m.