University of Winnipeg will grant Jean Chretien an honorary degree

Former prime minister Jean Chretien prepares to board a flight for South Africa to attend a memorial for Nelson Mandela, in Ottawa, Sunday, Dec.8, 2013. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

WINNIPEG -- Former prime minister Jean Chretien will be granted an honorary degree at the spring convocation of the University of Winnipeg.

The university says in a news release that Chretien will be made an honorary doctor of laws on June 12.

It calls him "one of Canada's most successful political leaders."

Other recipients will include David Moroni, dancer and founder of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's professional division; Robert J. Sawyer, best-selling science fiction author; and John and Bonnie Buhler, entrepreneurs who are among Winnipeg's leading philanthropists.

University president Lloyd Axworthy calls all five extraordinary people who "remind us that it is often those from humble beginnings who grow to shape our communities and leave a lasting legacy."