Lloyd Axworthy
The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy PC, OC, OM took office today as The University of Winnipeg’s sixth President and Vice-Chancellor.
“There’s a renewed sense of pride and momentum at The University of Winnipeg,” said Axworthy, a graduate of The University of Winnipeg’s Class of 1961. “People across the country are taking notice once again of the excellence and dedication of University of Winnipeg professors and researchers, and of the University’s commitment to its urban community and global responsibility.”
By a unanimous decision at its December 15, 2003 meeting, the University’s Board of Regents appointed Dr. Axworthy to the position for a five-year term. The Board made the appointment on the recommendation of the Presidential Search and Nominating Committee. Chaired by Board of Regent’s Vice-Chair Carole Wylie Basarab, the Committee conducted an extensive search throughout the country. The Search Committee—composed of a representative group of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and Regents—assessed the experience, professional qualifications, and personal qualities of a strong field of outstanding candidates. Dr. Axworthy will be installed as President and Vice-Chancellor at The University of Winnipeg’s Spring Convocation on Sunday, June 6 at 10:30 a.m.
“The Board of Regents of The University of Winnipeg is pleased that an individual of Dr. Axworthy’s integrity, leadership experience and acumen, commitment to the local and global community, and vision has joined the remarkable administrative team assembled at the University,” stated Richard Graydon, Board of Regents Chair.
Dr. Axworthy’s appointment as President of The University of Winnipeg marks the beginning of a new chapter in his longstanding history with Winnipeg’s downtown, urban university. From 1965 to 1967, Axworthy was assistant professor of political studies at The University of Winnipeg. From 1969 to 1979, he held the post of Director of the University’s Institute for Urban Studies. Dr. Axworthy succeeds Dr. Constance Rooke as sixth president of The University of Winnipeg.
“It’s an honour be to the President of an institution with such a rich history of excellence in education,” said Axworthy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs. “Together with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and our many community partners we will continue to build a strong and vibrant future.”
In the past 18 months—under the leadership of Acting President and Vice-President (Academic) Patrick Deane, and with support from Vice-President (Finance & Administration) Stephen Willetts, and Vice-President (Students) Ian Cull, and the entire University community—the University has balanced its budget, eliminated a sizeable accumulated deficit, and, together with the Board of Regents, launched its fundraising arm – The University of Winnipeg Foundation.
“This is a turning point in the life of The University of Winnipeg,” stated Sanford Riley, the sixth Chancellor of the University. “Leadership from a strong administrative team and the enthusiasm generated by the hard work and common vision of faculty, staff, students, and Regents have allowed us to deal with some very tough issues over the past few years and arise as a stronger institution. Mindful of our history and traditions, and with Dr. Axworthy’s leadership, we are well-prepared for this next leg of our journey.”
In 1973, Axworthy entered provincial politics, serving six years in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. The next 21 years were spent as a member of the Federal Parliament. He has held several Cabinet positions: Minister of Employment and Immigration, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister of Transport, of Human Resources Development, of Western Economic Diversification, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
His work for the advancement of the human security concept, in particular, the Ottawa Treaty—a landmark global treaty banning anti-personnel landmines—has garnered international attention and a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. For his efforts in establishing the International Criminal Court and the Protocol on child soldiers, he received the North-South Institute’s Peace Award.
A member of the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada, Dr. Axworthy is a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Winnipeg.
In 2000, after 27 years of public service, Axworthy became the Director and CEO of the Liu Institute for Global Issues at the University of British Columbia.
The Board of Regents at its November 3, 2003 meeting voted to augment the Vice-President (Academic) post by adding the position of Provost. As a matter of first priority, the new President will meet and negotiate the delegation of responsibilities with the Vice-President (Academic) and Provost Patrick Deane.
The University of Winnipeg, located in the heart of the city, is a compact, caring community committed to access and excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. One of Canada’s top undergraduate universities, The University of Winnipeg is home to more than 8,000 full- and part-time students.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Katherine Unruh, Director of Communications, The University of Winnipeg
T: 204.786.9872 C: 204.782.3279
