Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
November 01, 2001
Tribute planned for Hon. Lincoln Alexander
December event to raise funds for new University of Guelph scholarships
The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander's life of extraordinary firsts will be celebrated in an 80th birthday tribute on Dec. 13 in Toronto. At his request, the event will also raise funds for new University of Guelph scholarships, established in the former Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s name, to be awarded annually starting in September 2002.
The Lincoln Alexander Chancellor’s Scholarships reflect Mr. Alexander’s commitment to enhancing the diversity of Canada’s university student population. The scholarships will be awarded over four years to students of academic excellence who are Aboriginal, visible minorities or disabled. The students selected must have made a significant contribution to their schools and communities and demonstrate the potential to become leaders in society.
“An education is what enabled me to serve as an MP, Lieutenant Governor and chancellor,” says Mr. Alexander, who is now entering his fourth term as Chancellor of the University of Guelph. “Without post secondary schooling, I believe my path would have been very different. These scholarships are therefore very important to me, and represent my heartfelt belief in the power of education and the importance of focusing assistance on those who are sometimes overlooked.”
The event, to be held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Thursday, Dec.13, will celebrate his upcoming 80th birthday in January 2002 and pay tribute to Mr. Alexander’s contributions to Canada throughout his storied political career. Honorary patrons are The Honourable Senator Don Oliver, Mr. Edward S. Rogers and The Honourable W. Galen Weston.
Born in Toronto to West Indian immigrants -- his mother, Mae Rose, a maid, his father, Lincoln MacCauley, a railway porter -- Mr. Alexander served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Upon his return to Canada, he entered McMaster University, graduating in 1949. He graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1953.
Mr. Alexander was appointed Ontario Lieutenant Governor in 1985. Prior to that, he was federal Minister of Labour in 1979 and elected to the House of Commons in 1968 as Member of Parliament for Hamilton West. He is the first Black Canadian to hold all three positions.
During his political career, Mr. Alexander has amassed an awe-inspiring list of recognitions and awards, including the naming of three schools in his honour.
Mr. Alexander currently serves as the Chairman of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the Chairman of the Board of the Raptors Foundation. In 1992, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada and to the Order of Ontario.
Event details:
TRIBUTE TO THE HONOURABLE LINCOLN M. ALEXANDER
DATE: Thursday, December 13, 2001
PLACE: Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
TIME: Reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:30 p.m.
Contact:
To arrange an interview or to order tickets, please contact: Marion Hart (416) 599-2550.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs, 519-824-4120, Ext. 3338.
