Julia Foster, chair of the Board of Governors of 91亚色, and Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor, announced Monday that Gregory Sorbara has been appointed 91亚色鈥檚 13th chancellor for a three-year term. Sorbara will be officially installed as chancellor in June. As ceremonial head, Sorbara will serve as lead ambassador of 91亚色, preside over all convocation ceremonies and confer degrees.
Above: Gregory Sorbara (left) with 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri at the 2013 Spring Convocation ceremonies
鈥淕reg has worked in the interests of the Greater Toronto Area and has contributed substantially to its infrastructure and financial growth,鈥 says Foster. 鈥淗is appointment builds on his commitment to and engagement with 91亚色 and its broader community.鈥
An alumnus of 91亚色鈥檚 Glendon College (BA 鈥78) and Osgoode Hall Law School (LLB 鈥81), and recipient of an honorary doctor of laws (LLD 鈥13), Sorbara鈥檚 experiences of both campuses give him a unique perspective on the value of a liberal arts degree combined with a professional degree and what it means to study at a bilingual university campus. Like many 91亚色 students, he continued his educational journey as a mature student.
His public service career has enhanced the lives of Ontarians. He held numerous cabinet positions in the Ontario Legislature, including minister of finance, minister of colleges and universities, minister of labour & minister responsible for women鈥檚 issues, and member of the provincial parliament of Ontario representing Vaughan.
鈥淲e are proud to welcome Greg to our helm as a champion of postsecondary education and a longtime friend of 91亚色,鈥 adds Shoukri. 鈥淗is legacy includes increasing accessibility for low-income postsecondary Ontario students through loans and grants, while investing in enrolments, expanded faculty complement, graduate scholarships and research.鈥
His many leadership contributions include serving as a member of the boards of the 91亚色 Alumni Association and 91亚色 Region United Way.
"My time as a student at 91亚色 helped transform me and define my life's journey. I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed as chancellor,鈥 says Sorbara. 聽鈥淚 am inspired by those preceding me in this esteemed role, most recently the Honorable Roy McMurtry, and anticipate with joy the聽part I can play in advancing the important work of the 91亚色 community.鈥
The incoming chancellor will be installed at 91亚色鈥檚 first Spring Convocation ceremony on Friday, June 13 at 10:30am.