Maritime legend Anne Murray was presented with an honourary degree at Mount Saint Vincent University's convocation on Friday, marking an inspirational moment for the Springhill, N.S., native who once attended the university herself.
"It was great, I really enjoyed it,” said Murray. “It was a beautiful set up, a theatre in the round, and very warm and fuzzy, and fun to come back."
Murray has sold more than 55 million recordings and has won four Grammy awards. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Dubbed Canada's national treasure, Murray was presented with an honourary degree in humane letters.
"I really think it's important that we recognize people in the arts – in entertainment industries,” said MacDonald. “It's a very tough industry."
Murray walked the halls of MSVU when she was 17 years old.
"This is a deeply nostalgic moment for me because I spent my first year of university here. And things have changed, a lot," said a laughing Anne Murray to the crowd.
When Murray was a student, it was a school for women run by the Sisters of Charity.
Murray says it’s an honour to be back.
"You can often judge a person's true character by how they treat people who are different, less powerful, or influential, or less educated than themselves,” said Murray to the crowd. “Treat people well and with respect and they will treat you well back.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Suzette Belliveau.
