Two Bahamian Luminaries to Receive Honorary Doctorate Degrees from University of The Bahamas

21^st May 2025

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — University of The Bahamas (UB) will confer upon two of the nation’s most accomplished visionaries and philanthropists honorary doctorate degrees during its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Lowell J. Mortimer, CB, OD, OBE will receive the honorary degree at the commencement ceremony scheduled for the Baha Mar Resort on Tuesday 27^th May, while Sir Franklyn R. Wilson, KCMG, CMG, will receive the honorary degree during the commencement ceremony at UB North in Grand Bahama on Thursday 5^th June. They will also each address the 2025 Commencement Class at both ceremonies.  

The honorary doctorate, UB’s most prestigious honour, is bestowed upon individuals whose exceptional accomplishments have significantly advanced the institution and society. It celebrates outstanding achievement and serves to inspire students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. H.E. Mr. Mortimer and Sir Franklyn will become the fourth and fifth honorary doctorate degree recipients, respectively, in UB’s history. Both men are regarded as nation builders and each has a distinguished career and record of humanitarianism.

A former educator and jurist, philanthropist, and Chair of Campbell Shipping Company Ltd., Mr. Mortimer has been a driving force behind the growth of The Bahamas’ maritime sector. He founded the LJM Maritime Academy, a tertiary institution for maritime education and training. His advocacy for access to education is reflected in his roles as Chair of the Education Loan Authority, Co-Chair of the National Scholarship Advisory Committee, and Vice-Chair of the UB Board of Trustees.

Under Mr. Mortimer’s leadership, Freedom Foundation facilitated a landmark $10 million donation to the former College of The Bahamas to establish a small island sustainability research centre. His diplomatic service includes appointments as Non-Resident High Commissioner to India and Honorary Consul-General to Turkey, further underscoring his global impact and commitment to national progress. Mr. Mortimer has been a steadfast advocate and generous benefactor for marginalized groups including those with special needs.

Chair of Sunshine Holdings Ltd., Sir Franklyn is a revered business leader and former Chairman of the College of The Bahamas’ Council (2002–2007). His contributions to UB include the creation of the Wilson Awards Programme, the establishment of the $50,000 Wilson Prize, and a landmark $1 million donation – with his wife, Sharon Lady Wilson – for the construction of the Franklyn R. Wilson Graduate Centre at UB. He championed the establishment of the College of The Bahamas in the 1970s as a young Member of Parliament during the push for national independence.

Sir Franklyn’s visionary business leadership and service to the community have earned him national and international acclaim, including the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Global Trumpet Award presented by the Trumpet Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also a trailblazer in youth and civic development, as the founding chairman of both the Bahamas chapters of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO), and as the founder of Junior Achievement Bahamas.

As the Class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage, the towering legacies of the honorary degree recipients will serve as reminders of what is possible when passion and purpose, meet a commitment to service and nation building.

This year, there are more than 600 graduates of UB from a broad expanse of academic disciplines whose achievements mark a major milestone in the country’s academic and national development journey.

Office of University Relations 

University of The Bahamas

2^nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex

Oakes Field Campus

P.O. Box N-4912

Nassau, The Bahamas

Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365

Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. Approximately 5,000 students are enrolled in the University of The Bahamas system which includes campuses and centres on New Providence, Grand Bahama, San Salvador and Abaco, as well as UB online education. UB’s diverse academic programmes, research engagements, athletics and leadership development experiences equip our students to become global citizens in a dynamic world.