On Wednesday, June 11, Captain (Dr.) Paul Thistle was recognized by Ontario’s University of Windsor with an honorary doctor of laws degree. The presentation acknowledged his outstanding work as a Canadian physician and humanitarian and his contributions to the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS in rural Zimbabwe and around the world.

 

The day commenced with a private luncheon hosted by University of Windsor Chancellor Dr. Edward C. Lumley and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ross H. Paul. Supporting Captain Thistle and his two sons, James and Alexander, were the captain’s parents, brother-in-law and several close friends. Representing The Salvation Army were Major Rene Loveless, divisional secretary for program, Ontario Great Lakes Division, and Major Patricia Phinney, public relations and development director for London and Windsor.
 

During the afternoon convocation for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Captain Thistle was introduced to the graduating class as a Canadian physician and Salvation Army officer, chief medical officer and chief of staff at Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe, a humanitarian whose work speaks of social justice and a fundraiser and published researcher who has contributed greatly to our knowledge of HIV care and treatment. The president indicated that in bestowing this honorary degree, the university was honouring all that was best about education, knowledge and practices. 
 

Captain Thistle thanked the university for honouring his ministry and recognizing the work of Howard Hospital. In his address to the graduates, he spoke of the hospital’s history and the political and economic challenges of living in Zimbabwe. In light of overwhelming inflation, it is only through the support of international partnerships that the facility can continue to offer its medical and health services. “Though HIV/AIDS has stripped an entire generation of parents, teachers and breadwinners,” he said, “the tide has now turned so that AIDS is no longer a word of shame.” Education is the key in controlling the spread of HIV among young people. With that in mind, Howard Hospital is involved in outreach programs in schools, churches, places of employment and recreation. Staff strive toward the goal of providing accessible treatment for all who want it, so that individuals can be restored to full health and return to their communities as productive members of society.
 

Congratulating the graduates on their academic achievement, Captain Thistle encouraged them to keep growing in their pursuit of knowledge. He reminded them that education is lifelong and urged them to learn from the lessons of the past, embrace the challenges and opportunities of the present and continue learning as they set their sites on the future. “We are all called to serve our communities wherever they may be,” he commented. “Through our efforts the world will become a better place.”
 

Captain Thistle expressed deep gratitude to his parents, who taught him the value of a hard day’s work. He also thanked his wife, Pedrinah, who teaches midwifery, perseverance and patience at Howard Hospital, and his sons James and Alexander, who “on numerous occasions have taught me how to pick up the pieces of life and move on with grace.” He stated that we must always remain focused on our purpose, not our problems.
 

Following the ceremony, family, friends and guests were able to greet Captain Thistle and the other graduates while enjoying refreshments provided by the university alumni.