The University of Regina will award honorary doctors of laws to homegrown brothers Chris Getzlaf and Ryan Getzlaf during fall 2024 convocation.
“In recognition of their outstanding accomplishments as professional athletes, but just as importantly, for their compassionate and dedicated service to community, the University of Regina is pleased to recognize Chris and Ryan with honorary degrees. This is the highest honour the University can bestow, and the Getzlaf brothers are very deserving recipients,” U of R president and vice-chancellor Dr. Jeff Keshen said in a statement.
The older Getzlaf played 11 seasons in the Canadian Football League, nine-and-a-half with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. His outstanding CFL career included two Grey Cup Championships in 2007 and 2013 with the Green and White.
Born and raised in Regina, the 41-year-old has been passionate about giving back to the province where he grew up and still lives. The U of R alumnus was involved in the Red Cross’s Imagine No Bullying campaign and ran the Getzlaf and Friends charity golf tournament which raised more than $200,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation. He's on the board of directors for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation and also involved in the Regina chapter of 100 Men Who Care.
The younger Getzlaf had an exceptional hockey career which included 17 years in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks. He retired having won a Stanley Cup in 2007 plus two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada, 2010 in Vancouver and 2014 in Sochi. He's slated to be with Team Canada as a player relations advisor for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Among other charitable causes, Getzlaf supports CureDuchenne, a nonprofit focused on finding and funding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He created the Ducks Learn to Play program, which offers first-time hockey players the chance to be on the rink in full hockey equipment for free.
The Getzlaf brothers receive their degrees on Thursday, October 17.
