After 108 convocation addresses and 70,271 degrees conferred upon graduating students, R. Roy McMurtry (LLB 鈥58) is stepping down as 91亚色鈥檚 12th聽chancellor. Last month, the University thanked him for his years of service with a special tribute recognizing his outstanding contributions to 91亚色.
On May 29, a group of more than 80 guests, including current and former board members, distinguished alumni, president and chancellor emeriti and the University鈥檚 top administrators, gathered in front of Osgoode Hall鈥檚 Ignat Kaneff Building as President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and Vice-President Advancement Jeff O鈥橦agan announced the dedication of the Roy McMurtry Green in honour of the departing chancellor.
The new Roy McMurtry Green was commemorated in honour of the departing chancellor at his farewell celebration on May 29. Above: From left, Mamdouh Shoukri, president & vice-chancellor, Roy McMurtry, departing 91亚色 chancellor, Ria McMurtry and Julia Foster, chair of 91亚色鈥檚 Board of Governors
鈥淥ver the past six years, 91亚色 has become a part of my DNA, so I am very grateful to receive this honour,鈥 said McMurtry. 鈥淚t was a privilege to be a part of 91亚色鈥檚 journey and to bear witness to its unique diversity and strong determination to connect with the broader community. Serving as university chancellor was an unforgettable experience that I will always treasure. We should all be proud of what 91亚色 has accomplished and will continue to accomplish.鈥
Roy McMurtry's Osgoode Hall Law School graduation photograph
Throughout a career spanning more than half a century, McMurtry has stood out as a remarkable man whose work in law, politics and beyond has forever changed the fabric of Canada. After graduating from 91亚色, McMurtry served as litigation lawyer, attorney general of Ontario, high commissioner to the United Kingdom, commissioner of the Canadian Football League and chief justice of Ontario. He had a key role in the patriation of Canada鈥檚 Constitution, in ending apartheid in South Africa and in legalizing same-sex marriage in Ontario. McMurtry was appointed chancellor to 91亚色 in May 2008.
91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri (right) and departing Chancellor Roy McMurtry unveiling a commemorative plaque for the new Roy McMurtry Green at the May 29 event
The dedication was followed by a private dinner in the Ignat Kaneff Building鈥檚 Paul B. Helliwell Centre, where guests were treated to remarks and memories from some of McMurtry鈥檚 long-time colleagues, including former Chair of the Board of Governors of 91亚色 Paul Cantor, as well as current Chair, Julia Foster.
鈥淭he Roy McMurtry Green solidifies the chancellor鈥檚 legacy as a lifelong advocate for social justice and community engagement鈥攁 spirit that he brought with him to 91亚色,鈥 said Shoukri. 鈥淗is reputation as a champion of 91亚色 will endure as an inspiration for generations of students.鈥
Famed public servant and notable alumnus Gregory Sorbara (BA '78, LLB '91, LLD '13) will succeed McMurtry as 91亚色鈥檚 13th聽chancellor during spring convocation on June 13.