Wallin Reappointed Chancellor
March 01, 2010 - News Release
Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin has been appointed to a second term as University of Guelph chancellor. U of G's Senate, composed of faculty, staff, students and alumni, approved the reappointment last week, extending her tenure until March 2013.
"I am so proud of my association with the University of Guelph and thrilled to continue as chancellor at a university that is not only loved by its students, faculty, staff and alumni but is also respected internationally and here at home for its work in changing lives and improving life,” said Wallin.
Wallin, one of Canada’s most prominent media figures, diplomats and entrepreneurs, first became chancellor in March 2007.
She has also been a member of the Canadian Senate since 2008, serving on its prestigious Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee, as deputy chair of the Defence and National Security Committee and as a member of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee. In addition, she was appointed honorary colonel of the Air Force in 2009 by the minister of defence.
“Pamela’s achievements are remarkable, earning her great respect and benefiting the University,” said president Alastair Summerlee. “But her nomination for reappointment focused not on her personal prestige but rather on her warmth, candour and unwavering conviction to use her positions to do what she believes is right.”
During her first term in office, Wallin conferred degrees on thousands of graduates at convocation. She also 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. As a senator, she actively promotes the importance of higher education, the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Wallin is the seventh person and the second woman to hold the position of chancellor since the University’s founding in 1964.
Her career has spanned more than 30 years and several continents, including numerous positions at CBC and CTV. From 2002 to 2006, she served as consul general of Canada in New York. She continues to serve as the senior adviser on Canada-U.S. relations at the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas in New York and Washington. She is also on the boards of many Canadian corporations, including CTVglobemedia.
She is an Officer of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour, and served at the request of Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the Independent Panel on Canada’s Future Role in Afghanistan.
Wallin holds an honours degree in psychology and political science from the University of Regina. She has received 14 honorary degrees, including an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Guelph in 2006. She has also written three books, including Since You Asked, a best-selling memoir.
For media questions, Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982, d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca
