The University of Regina plans to award honorary degrees to longtime Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Chris Getzlaf and his NHL star brother Ryan.
The 41-year-old spent parts of 10 seasons with the Riders while winning two Grey Cups with the Green and White in 2007 and 2013.
The U of R alumnus was involved in the Red Cross’s Imagine No Bullying campaign and ran the Getzlaf and Friends charity golf tournament which raised more than $200,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation. He’s on the board of directors for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation and involved in the Regina chapter of 100 Men Who Care.
“In recognition of their outstanding accomplishments as professional athletes, but just as importantly, for their compassionate and dedicated service to community, the University of Regina is pleased to recognize Chris and Ryan with honorary degrees. This is the highest honour the University can bestow, and the Getzlaf brothers are very deserving recipients,” U of R president and vice-chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen said in a statement.
The 39-year-old Getzlaf played 17 years in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks. He retired with one Stanley Cup in 2007 along with two Olympic gold medals while playing for Team Canada in 2010 and 2014.
Getzlaf supports CureDuchenne, a nonprofit focused on finding and funding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He created the Ducks Learn to Play program, it offers first-time hockey players the chance to be on the rink in full hockey equipment for free.
The Getzlaf brothers receive their honorary doctors of laws on Thursday, October 17 during fall 2024 convocation.
