Chief Justice Michael H. Tulloch and broadcaster Joe Bowen will be recognized with honorary degrees at the upcoming Spring Convocation ceremonies. (UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
The University of Windsor will recognize two distinguished Canadians whose careers have left lasting marks on public life, sports, justice and community service at its upcoming Spring Convocation ceremonies.
The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch and veteran sports broadcaster Joe Bowen (BA ’73) will each receive honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degrees in recognition of their exceptional professional achievements and contributions to society.
Chief Justice Tulloch has built a nationally respected career in the legal profession and judiciary.
Appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2003 and elevated to the Court of Appeal for Ontario in 2012, he has also led several landmark reviews examining police oversight, systemic racism and street checks in Ontario.
Beyond the courtroom, Tulloch has contributed extensively to public policy, legal education and community advocacy.
He has served with the National Judicial Institute, the Ontario Superior Court Education Committee and numerous advisory bodies and has supported scholarship initiatives and mentorship programs aimed at expanding opportunities for Black youth and students.
Born in Jamaica, Chief Justice Tulloch earned a Bachelor of Arts from York University and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School before being called to the Ontario Bar in 1991. He has previously received honorary degrees from several Canadian institutions in recognition of his leadership and public service.
Tulloch will receive his honorary degree at the final session of Convocation, 2:30 p.m. on June 5.
Beloved hockey broadcaster and University of Windsor alumnus Joe Bowen will also receive an honorary degree.
The radio voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he has become synonymous with Leafs hockey for generations of fans.
Known for his signature “Holy Mackinaw!” call, Bowen has spent more than four decades broadcasting games and has called more than 3,800 contests during his celebrated career.
After graduation from the University of Windsor — including time as the voice of the Lancers — Bowen began his broadcasting journey in Sudbury before eventually becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Canadian sports media.
In 2018, Bowen received the prestigious Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting. He has also been honoured with the George Gross Award as Broadcaster of the Year and was inducted into the University of Windsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
On Dec. 16, 2025, Holy Mackinaw Night honoured Bowen with tributes as the Maple Leafs faced the Chicago Blackhawks, the very same matchup that launched Bowen’s career 44 seasons prior. He called his final game on April 15.
Away from the microphone, Bowen has dedicated significant time to charitable and community initiatives, particularly supporting leukemia research after his son Sean’s recovery from the disease. Through fundraising partnerships and awareness campaigns, his efforts have helped raise millions of dollars for leukemia research and related causes.
Bowen will receive his honorary degree at the 2:30 p.m. Convocation session on June 3.
For more information about the University of Windsor’s Spring 2026 Convocation, visit uwindsor.ca/convocation.