Terrance Michael Punch

Doctor of Letters

Terrence M. Punch, an award-winning educator, accomplished genealogist and historian will receive a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) from Saint Mary's at the Spring convocation.

Mr. Punch graduated from Saint Mary's in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in Journalism. The following year, he completed a Bachelor of Education degree. He returned to Saint Mary's and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in 1972. Mr. Punch completed a second graduate degree at Dalhousie University in 1977.

Mr. Punch spent 29 years teaching secondary school in Halifax. He was honoured in 1983 with the National Award of Canadian History and Social Science Teacher of the Year. During his career in education he was involved in curriculum development with the provincial task force in junior high social studies. Throughout his career, his passion for history extended beyond the walls of his classroom.

A certified genealogist since 1983, he has been involved in historical study, investigation and preservation with a large variety of institutions and organizations. He has been the chairperson of the International Irish Research Seminar, Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes and trustee of the Public Archives of Nova Scotia. He is the sole Canadian member of the advisory board of Passenger and Immigration Lists Project.

Mr. Punch has been honoured for his heritage work and historical writing. He has contributed to various magazines and authored a number of publications. Mr. Punch continues to teach in a variety of different venues including conferences throughout Canada and the United States, Elderhostel and lectures for Elder Learners at Dalhousie University. In recognition of his years of service and contributions to scholarship, Mr. Punch will receive his honourary doctorate on May 12 at the afternoon convocation ceremony.