Huntington University president Kevin McCormick has been presented with an award by the West African nation of Burkina Faso.
During a private investiture ceremony held at the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Ottawa July 29, McCormick was appointed to the rank of Knight of the Order of the Stallion (Chevalier de l’Ordre de l’Etalon), the highest honour the government of Burkina Faso can bestow, a release from the university states.
It rewards personal merit and/or eminent civil or military services rendered to the nation.
Working with academics and government officials in Canada and Burkina Faso, McCormick established an international program in support of post-secondary students in Burkina Faso, including medical students making a difference during the COVID-19 global health crisis, a Huntington University release states.
“Dr. Kevin McCormick is a great friend to the nation of Burkina Faso, a champion for human
rights and education, and an extremely worthy recipient of this National Order from the
Presidency of Burkina Faso for his service to our nation,” said Korotimi Bayala Drabo, principal secretary to the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Canada. “For his incredible service to the Nation of Burkina Faso the president is honoured, on behalf of the country, to award him with the Knight of the Order of the Stallion, our highest national honour.”