John G. Diefenbaker, University Chancellor, making presentation of an honourary Doctor of Laws degree to Dr. Herman H. Ferns at spring Convocation held at Centennial Auditorium.

Bio/Historical Note: Dr. Herman Harvey Ferns had a long and distinguished record at the University of Saskatchewan, both as a student and as a member of the faculty. He received the Governor-General's Gold Medal as the most distinguished graduate in 1927. Ferns received a PhD from the University of Toronto in 1933. His first appointment to the University of Saskatchewan faculty was as an instructor in mathematics in 1928. He was promoted to Professor in 1941 and was Head of the Mathematics Department from 1946 until his retirement in 1962. He was Director of the Summer School from 1949-1959. He served as adviser to veterans of World War II and was active in the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps for many years. Ferns played an important role in persuading leading artists to contribute their talents to the development of a program of summer art classes at Emma Lake, which in turn was a major factor in the establishment of a strong community of artists in Saskatchewan. Ferns was president of the Faculty Club and was active in numerous community organizations such as the Canadian Institute of International Affairs. Dr. Ferns received an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the U of S in May 1976. Dr. Ferns died in Saskatoon in December 1976.