In recognition of all their achievements and remarkable contributions, Patricia Tyson Harvey and Paul Kevin Bates are the recipients of this year’s honorary doctorate degrees. Throughout their life, they have shown unparalleled determination, expertise, and faith. We pay homage to their steadfast Christian faith, applaud their extraordinary accomplishments, and express our deep admiration and gratitude for their transformative influence. The degree, Doctor of Divinity honoris causa, will be awarded posthumously at our Convocation service on May 23rd, to a representative from each family.
Patricia Tyson Harvey was a world-renowned ophthalmologist and medical researcher. Born into a Christian family in Hamilton, Ontario, Pat went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and a Doctor of Medicine degree at McMaster University. She completed her residency in ophthalmology and then specialized further in pediatric ophthalmology.
Pat became a retinal specialist heavily involved in research, establishing herself as a world-renowned expert in the field of retinal research and in particular in the area of macular degeneration.
Pat was engaged in training and educating others in her field. She was a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University since 1985. She was also an assistant professor at the University of Toronto and held teaching-related roles at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University Health Network in Toronto. In 2004, Pat was awarded the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal for her work in this area.
In addition to her academic achievements, Pat was also known for her compassion, kindness, and respect for her patients. Her Christian faith was a guiding force in her life, and in addition to her work in the medical field, she also supported various Christian ministries and generously funded students’ studies for ministry or Christian service.
Pat was a close friend and generous supporter of McMaster Divinity College, serving on its Board of Trustees for three years and contributing to its major building campaign. She faithfully served Philpott Memorial Church in various capacities, including as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent.
Pat passed away on September 2, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence, compassion for others, and a deep faith in Christ.
Paul Kevin Bates was born in London, England, and completed his undergraduate degree in English Literature from Cornwall Technical College in 1969. He worked in branch banking in the UK before moving to Canada in 1973, where he gained extensive experience in the investment industry and held executive positions. Paul earned professional credentials in capital markets, finance, and accounting, including a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) and CMC (Certified Management Consultant).
Paul was actively involved in corporate governance, serving as a Commissioner of the Ontario Securities Commission and as a member of the Board of the Toronto Stock Exchange. He served as the Dean of the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University from 2004-2010, and was named “Canada’s most influential broker” in 2000 by Investment Executive magazine and received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for community service.
Despite his many accomplishments, Paul’s spiritual journey led him to pursue a Master of Theological Studies from McMaster Divinity College (MDC) in 2014. After completing his degree, he taught as a faculty member and was an integral part of fundraising for MDC’s multi-million-dollar building renovation and expansion project. In 2020, Paul became one of the first two graduates from MDC’s Doctor of Practical Theology program, and later served as Special Advisor to the President and Chair of the Investment Sub-Committee at MDC.
Paul was deeply committed to his faith and to serving God through his work in the investment industry, academic institutions, and his church community, where he became an ordained deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada in 2016.
Paul passed away on September 4, 2022. His life and legacy serves as an example of excellence in Christian leadership and selfless generosity.
We invite you to partake in the upcoming livestream of the McMaster Divinity College Convocation, taking place on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 7:00 pm. The families of the Honorary Doctorate recipients will be honoured with the presentation of the diploma during the ceremony. We welcome you to join us in celebrating their achievements and the culmination of their scholarly endeavours.