November 20, 2013

Publication title: CBC News, vol. -, Iss. -, pg. –
Place: Unknown
Writer: Unknown

Sarah McLachlan collects honorary degree from U of A

Canadian superstar Sarah McLachlan received an honorary doctor-of-laws degree Wednesday morning at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton.

McLachlan, who was born in Halifax, has won three Grammy awards throughout her 25-year career as a musician and singer, selling more than 30 million copies worldwide.

In more recent years, McLachlan has turned her attention towards philanthropic organizations, founding the Sarah McLachlan School of Music which offers free after-school programming for at-risk youth in Vancouver.

She was also the founder of Lilith Fair, a touring concert featuring an all-female cast of performers, which raised more than $10 million for national and local women’s organizations.

In 1999, McLachlan was made an officer of the Order of Canada.

Speaking Wednesday with CBC’s Tashauna Reid, McLachlan said she still has trouble believing this is her life, calling herself lucky beyond belief.

“I’m still so amazed every day that this is what I get to do, and that I get to be part of this world that is so much bigger than me.”

Honorary degrees were also given out this week to former Alberta premier Don Getty and U of A alumnus and philanthropist Charles Hantho.