At the spring convocation at the University of Saskatchewan, the Honorary Doctor of Law degree was granted to Glenn Farrell, BSc, MSc, PhD.

Glenn Michael Farrell was born and raised on a farm in the Tonkin district. He attended a rural school for eight years and obtained his high school at the Yorkton Collegiate Institute.

He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1959. While at U of S, he served as president of the student body.

In 1964 he received a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin, followed by a PhD in adult education in 1969 from the same institution.

From 1959 to 1975 he worked as an Extension Specialist and Professor of Continuing Education in the Extension Division of the University of Saskatchewan. As Extension Specialist he was a frequent visitor to Yorkton, conducting seminars and speaking to various groups in the city.

In 1975 he moved to the University of Victoria where he was appointed Associate Director of Extension. He became the Extension Division's Director in 1978.

In 1985 he was named the President of the Knowledge Network, and three years later he was appointed founding President of the Open Learning Agency and continued in that position until 1998.

During his tenure as president, Dr. Farrell facilitated the merger of the Open Learning Institute (a distance education development and delivery agency) and the Knowledge Network (an educational television service) to form the Open Learning Agency (OLA). It is a fully accredited educational institution which is a world leader in the delivery of distance education.

Under his leadership, OLA grew and evolved into a multifaceted educational organization serving Canadian and international students of all ages with training programs at all levels.

Degrees are granted from its Open College and Open University.

Electronic communication technology has made it possible to reach learners in Canada and in all parts of the world, allowing OLA to offer everything from basis skills to undergraduate degrees.

Internationally students are enrolled in computing degree programs, Business Administration programs and other contract and consulting programs, making OLA a world leader in distance education.

For his distinguished service in the field of distance education, the degree of Honorary Bachelor of Law was conferred upon him at the 2000 spring convocation at the University of Saskatchewan.

Sincere congratulations are extended to Dr. Farrell on his achievements. Yorkton is proud of him.

Dr. Farrell and his wife, the former Leone Robinson of Indian Head, now live in Vancouver.