OCAD University congratulates Dr. Sara Diamond on receiving an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Simon Fraser University (SFU) at their Virtual Convocation ceremony today.
An SFU alumna, Dr. Diamond was recognized for the ways that her lifelong commitment to education, research, innovation, and the arts has profoundly impacted Canadian culture.
Dr. Diamond was President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University for 15 years. She holds a PhD in Computing, Information Technology and Engineering from the University of East London; a Masters degree in Digital Media theory from the University of Arts London; and a BA in History and Communications from SFU. While serving as Artistic Director of Media and Visual Art and Director of Research, she created and led the Banff New Media Institute to help incubate and support many of Canada’s leading new media companies.
An accomplished digital technology research and new media artist, Dr. Diamond has provided years of service and policy direction to public boards, advisory committees such as the NAFTA joint committee on culture, task forces and arts juries, acting as Vice-Chair of the Council of Ontario universities, and advising government, most recently through Rethinking Public Art in Toronto.
Appointed to the Order of Canada in June 2019, Dr. Diamond is also an appointee of the Order of Ontario and the Royal Canadian Society of Artists.