Canadian icon and decorated singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan named 2025 Honorary Fellow
Celebrated recording artist and music education advocate Sarah McLachlan was awarded Douglas College’s highest honour – Honorary Fellow – today at a graduation ceremony. McLachlan was recognized for her artistic legacy and educational philanthropy.
“The profound impact Sarah McLachlan has made through her music and philanthropy reflects the creativity, innovativeness and leadership we strive to instill in our students,” said Dr. Kathy Denton, President of Douglas College. “Her artistry and advocacy have touched lives across generations, making her an enduring force in Canadian culture. We are honoured to celebrate her legacy by awarding her the title of Honorary Fellow.”
With over 40 million albums sold worldwide, McLachlan is among the most successful Canadian artists of all time. Over the course of her career, she has received three Grammy Awards and 12 Juno Awards, and was inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In addition to her artistic achievements, McLachlan is recognized as an advocate for equitable access to music education. In 1997, she founded the Lilith Fair tour, which launched the careers of numerous female musicians and raised over $7 million for women’s charities. In 2002, she founded the not-for-profit Sarah McLachlan School of Music, which currently provides music education at no cost to over 1,200 children and youth facing barriers to access.
“As a teen, music saved my life. It gave me a voice and a sense of my own worth,” McLachlan said. “Years later, I watched more and more public schools cut funding for music programs and the thought that other kids wouldn’t be able to have access to a music education felt like a travesty. I know music is such a powerful tool in unlocking our emotional worlds and learning and playing together creates community and builds self-esteem.”
The Douglas College Honorary Fellow title is the latest among many honours Sarah McLachlan has received. She was awarded the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Visionary Award for furthering the careers of women in music through Lillith Fair. She is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, was appointed to the Order of British Columbia and is the recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards for Lifetime Achievement.
The title of Honorary Fellow recognizes outstanding achievement or distinguished service by an individual on a local, national or global scale. Past Honorary Fellow recipients include Olympian Karin Larsen, Chief of Qayqayt First Nation Rhonda Larrabee, media luminary Justin McElroy and many more.
As she received her Honorary Fellow designation, McLachlan encouraged students and new grads to explore what will make their lives meaningful.
“Find things to do that feel good and feed your mind and soul. Education is a gift and a privilege, a way to discover your purpose and passion,” she said. “Remember to be kind, stay curious and open to new things. This life is a beautiful buffet, and every day is a gift.”
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Douglas College is the largest college in B.C., combining the academic foundations of a university and the employer-ready skills of a college to graduate resilient global citizens who adapt, innovate and lead in a changing world.
For more information, visit douglascollege.ca.
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Aline Bouwman
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bouwmana@douglascollege.ca