At an official ceremony held at the Cultural Center on October 19, the University of Sherbrooke awarded an honorary doctorate to renowned astrophysicist Hubert Reeves. Present for the event were Luce Samoisette - President of the University of Sherbrooke and professor, Alain Webster - Vice President of Sustainable Development and Government Relations and one hundred or so guests. Hubert Reeves, a major figure in the scientific world, is a diffuser, having written hundreds of articles and books on astrophysics, astronomy, ecology and environmental protection.

Reeves continued his studies at the University of Montreal, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Astrophysics in 1953 and a Master's Degree at McGill University in 1955 and a Ph.D. from the Cornell University in 1960. He, then, made a career as a scientist and humanist revealing an unusual personality, sought after around the world for his lectures and his comments. “His basic research on thermo-nuclear reactions in stellar cores has helped bridge the gap between the components produced in the Big Bang and those produced during the life of stars.” His books that were the most popular were “Patience dans l'Azur'', in 1981 and ''Poussière d'étoiles'', in 1984.

Hubert Reeves has held the position of ''President of the ROC league for the preservation of wildlife and protection of non-hunters, a member of France Nature Environment Group university ecology and environmental protection and the Quebec Institute of biodiversity” since 2001. In 1999, an asteroid was named after him (no. 9631), one that was discovered in 1993 by the Belgian astrologer, Eric Elst.

Luce Samoisette introduced the recipient noting that: “The name Hubert Reeves evokes, first and foremost, the immense talent of a diffuser, a man whose extensive knowledge has never shaken his humbleness. With his understanding of the concepts that explain the infinitely large, we now know that the melting pot that gave birth to human life is delicate.” As for Alain Webster: “This high-caliber researcher, who has dedicated his life to issues beyond the understanding, knows how to explain that the balance of the biosphere is precious and fragile, following the example of those who advocate ‘think globally, act locally’. Our university is fortunate to count among its ‘Honorary Doctors’ a person who teaches us how to ‘think universally and act humanely’.''

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Photo: University of Sherbrooke, Michel Caron