Trailblazing female cryptographer and entrepreneur to receive honorary degree at Western’s 313th Convocation
June 12, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London, ON – On Monday, June 17th, female trailblazer, cryptologic mathematician and entrepreneur, Sherry Shannon–Vanstone will be one of nineteen distinguished individuals who will be recognized with an honorary degree at Western’s 313th Convocation. Ms. Shannon-Vanstone will be hosted at Brescia University College prior to being conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa at the University’s Convocation ceremony at 3:00 p.m.
Shannon–Vanstone is the Co-Founder, ex-President & CEO and Chairman of the Board of TrustPoint Innovation Technologies. Designed to provide innovative solutions to difficult trust problems, the Waterloo–based company and the many technologies it has patented, use unique and pioneering techniques, such as Elliptic Curve Cryptograph to issue security credentials for the billion devices that populate the Internet of Things.
Growing up in a time when few women were encouraged to study science and mathematics, Shannon-Vanstone achieved her Master of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Tennessee. Following graduation, she was a cryptologic mathematician within the United States Government and then went on to hold a number of executive positions within some of North America’s largest companies. In 2012, she merged her passion for and knowledge in cryptography with the burgeoning areas of the Internet of Things to establish TrustPoint with her late husband, Dr. Scott A. Vanstone.
In July 2018, Ms. Shannon–Vanstone retired from her role as Co–founder, President and CEO, and Chairman of the Board at TrustPoint, only to found a new venture, Profound Impact Corporation.
In addition to her significant contributions to her field, Ms. Shannon-Vanstone is recognized for her dedication for helping others succeed – particularly women. Currently she serves at the Co-Chair of the Perimeter Institute’s Emmy Noether Council, promoting girls and women in physics and mathematics.
“Since 1919, Brescia has been proud to educate and graduate women who not only thrive academically, but have a passion for social justice, community service and leading change in their communities and our world at large,” says Dr. Susan Mumm, Brescia’s Principal. She goes on to say, “Through her passion for innovation and knowledge, future-forward career and dedication for helping others to succeed, Ms. Shannon-Vanstone embodies Brescia’s values and has set a wonderful example for our students. We are honoured to host this impressive and accomplished woman on campus and to celebrate her achievements.”
Above: 2019 Western University honorary degree recipient, Sherry Shannon–Vanstone
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For more information, please contact:
Colleen Aguilar, Director, Communications & External Relations at 519-432-8353, ext. 28293 or at colleen.aguilar@uwo.ca, or Caitlin Core, Communications, Marketing & External Relations Officer at 519-432-8353, ext. 28280 or at ccore@uwo.ca.
Brescia University College, Canada’s women’s university college, is affiliated with Western University. The 1,500 women registered as either full- or part-time students at Brescia study a wide variety of subjects in the Schools of Behavioural & Social Sciences, Food & Nutritional Sciences, Humanities and Leadership & Social Change in an empowering, compassionate, student-centred and invigorating environment. Degrees are granted by Western. The Catholic University College welcomes students from all backgrounds and values diversity. For more current and archived news, a listing of faculty experts, and photos please visit our Online Media Room, at http://media.bresciauc.ca/ .