Paul’s special day commenced with a private luncheon held at the University of Windsor in tribute of the two honorary degree recipients at the convocation sessions held on June 11, 2008 – Dr. Ann-Marie MacDonald and Dr. Paul James Thistle.

Dr. Thistle and his two sons, James and Alexander, along with Paul’s parents, his brother-in-law and several close friends met together at the appointed time to meet and enjoy a meal with The Chancellor of the University, The Honourable Edward C. Lumley (B.Comm., P.C., LL.D.) and the President and Vice-Chancellor Ross H. Paul (B.A., PGCE. M.A., Ph.D.) along with several other faculty members. Major Rene Loveless, DSP, Ontario Great Lakes Division and Major Pat Phinney, Public Relations & Development Director for London & Windsor, were also invited to attend this special function in honour of Paul.

Following the luncheon and ensuing social hour, the second session of the Eighty-Ninth Convocation of the University of Windsor was held at the St. Denis Centre at 4:00 pm. Paul was introduced to the graduating class of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as a Canadian physician and Salvation Army Officer, Chief Medical Officer & Chief of Staff of Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe, a humanitarian whose work speaks of social justice, a fundraiser and a published researcher who has contributed greatly to our knowledge of HIV care and treatment. The President indicated that in honoring Dr. Thistle, the University of Windsor was honouring all that is best about education, knowledge and practices. It was a very proud moment for Paul, his family and friends and The Salvation Army as the Chancellor conferred on Dr. Paul Thistle the Degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

Paul expressed sincere thanks to the University for honouring his ministry in this way and for recognizing the work of the Howard Hospital. In his address to the graduating students, Paul shared a brief background of the history of Howard Hospital as well as the current political and economic challenges of Zimbabwe. Paul indicated that in light of the 1,000,000% inflation rate which Zimbabwe now faces, it is only through the support of international partnerships that Howard Hospital is able to continue to offer its medical and health services. He also shared that although HIV/AIDS has stripped an entire generation of parents, teachers and breadwinners in that country, the tide has now turned in the 30 years war against this disease and that Aids is no longer a word of shame. Education is the key in controlling the spread of HIV amongst young people and so Howard Hospital is involved in outreach programs in schools, churches, workplaces and beer halls. The goal of Paul and the other staff at Howard Hospital is that all who desire can access treatment, be restored to full health and be returned to their communities as productive members of society.

Dr. Thistle congratulated the graduates on reaching this exciting milestone in their education indicating that “you saw, you learned, you conquered” or as the people in Zimbabwe would say in their ‘Shona’ language “you shot the monkey in the mouth!” Paul encouraged the students to continue to grow in their pursuit of knowledge as they continue their education in the workplace and beyond. He told them that learning is life-long and urged them to learn from the lessons of the past, from the challenges & opportunities of the present and to continue to learn as they set their sites on the future. Paul shared that we are all called to serve our communities wherever they may be and that through our efforts the world will become a better place in the future.

Paul expressed deep gratitude to his parents who taught him the value of a hard day’s work, to his loving wife, Pedrinah who teaches midwifery, perseverance and patience at the Howard Hospital and to his sons, James & Alexander who have on numerous occasions taught him 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 Convocation ceremony, family, friends and guests were able to greet Dr. Paul James Thistle and the other graduates while enjoying refreshments provided by the University Alumni.