Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
January 31, 2003
U of G chancellor appointed to unprecedented fifth term
The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander has been appointed to an unprecedented fifth term as chancellor of the University of Guelph.
The University’s Senate, composed of faculty, staff, students and alumni, approved re-appointing the former Ontario Lieutenant Governor this week. Alexander first became chancellor in 1991. He will begin his next three-year term in October.
“I am tremendously proud and overwhelmed,” Alexander said. “It is a challenging position that I love and I will continue to try my best to further enhance the image of this great university.”
During his years as chancellor at U of G, Alexander has conferred degrees on more than 20,000 graduates at convocation. He serves on the University’s external relations committee, Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, and has been an active public supporter of the University.
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.
Born in Toronto to West Indian immigrants, Alexander was the first member of his family to receive a university education. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Upon his return to Canada, he entered McMaster University, graduating in 1949 and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1953. He has served as a Queen’s representative, a lawyer, cabinet minister, United Nations observer, and chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. In 1992, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada and to the Order of Ontario.
“Lincoln Alexander is an inspiration to us all and much beloved,” said President Mordechai Rozanski. “He has dedicated his life to public service and is an enthusiastic advocate of the importance and power of education. We are very fortunate to have him as our chancellor.”
Last year, the University established the Lincoln Alexander Chancellor’s Scholarships to reflect his commitment to enhancing the diversity of Canada’s university student population. Awarded for the first time in fall 2002, the scholarships recognize students of academic excellence who are Aboriginal, visible minorities or disabled. Students selected have made significant contributions to their schools and communities and demonstrate the potential to become leaders in society.
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