Community Invited to Celebrate Lincoln Alexander’s 90th
January 10, 2012 - Campus Bulletin
Lincoln Alexander, the University of Guelph’s chancellor emeritus, turns 90 on Jan. 21. The University will hold a community celebration Jan. 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Science Complex atrium. The event is open to all University students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
Those in attendance will include former U of G president Mordechai Rozanski, who worked with Alexander for 10 years. Rozanski was U of G's longest-serving president, holding the office from 1993 to 2003.
“Lincoln led our university with grace and dignity for more than 15 years and has made great contributions to Canada during his lifetime,” says president Alastair Summerlee. “We’ve been blessed that he remains a great supporter and friend to this university, as well as a role model and inspiration. His birthday is truly a day worth celebrating.”
Alexander, a former lieutenant-governor of Ontario, was appointed U of G chancellor in 1991 and served for five terms, a record among Canadian universities. In 2007, he was named chancellor emeritus to recognize his years of dedication to the University.
Alexander was first elected MP for Hamilton West in 1968. He was Canada’s first black MP, the first black chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board and the first visible minority to hold the post of lieutenant-governor.
Ontario schools and buildings and a highway are named after him. Alexander Hall, the University’s environmental teaching hub, opened on the Guelph campus this past fall.
Three U of G awards also carry his name: the Lincoln Alexander Outstanding Leadership Award; the Lincoln Alexander Medal of Distinguished Service; and the Lincoln Alexander Chancellor’s Scholarship. Established on his 80th birthday, the scholarship recognizes top students who are aboriginal, persons with a disability or members of a visible minority who have made significant contributions to their communities and demonstrated leadership potential.
If you’re unable to attend the Jan. 20 celebration, you may leave a birthday greeting online.
