WINNIPEG, MB – Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President & Vice-Chancellor, The University of Winnipeg is honoured to announce that His Excellency Victor Yushchenko President of Ukraine, has accepted an invitation to attend a Special Convocation on Tuesday, May 27 where he will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws. This is President Yushchenko’s first state visit to Canada. He is to be accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Kateryna Yushchenko.
Victor Yushchenko was elected President of Ukraine on December 26, 2004, and was instrumental in transforming his nation into a peaceful democracy. His journey to the Presidency of Ukraine was watched by millions of people around the world who applauded the victory of democracy over tyranny and injustice.
“Victor Yushchenko is an inspirational leader who cares passionately about human rights, and at great risk to himself, was fearless in championing Ukraine’s progress into the global family of democracies,” said Dr. Axworthy. “Manitoba itself owes much of its development and progress to Ukrainian pioneers who worked tirelessly to build our agricultural base and our infrastructure, adding to the diversity of our province in the process. I know I speak for many, many Manitobans in welcoming His Excellency President Yushchenko and Mrs. Yushchenko to our campus.”
Victor Yushchenko was born in the village of Khoruzhivka, Sumy Oblast in 1954 into a family of teachers. A seasoned economist, he held a number of prominent posts including Chairman and Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, playing an important role in creation of Ukraine’s national currency, the hryvnia. In December 1999, he was appointed Prime Minister of Ukraine. During his term, he became known among the international community for overseeing a series of economic reforms that brought order to Ukraine’s struggling economy.
During his campaign for the Presidency, Yushchenko faced harassment and has survived an assassination attempt and near-lethal poisoning from dioxin. The danger stiffened the resolve of supporters and as a result the Orange Revolution was born.
Members of the public are invited to attend A Special Convocation honouring His Excellency Victor Yushchenko and Mrs. Kateryna Yushchenko at The University of Winnipeg, Duckworth Centre, 400 Spence Street, Tuesday, May 27 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
Doors open at 12:00 pm with seating on a first-come, first served basis.
The University of Winnipeg will webcast the Special Convocation ceremony live on May 27 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at http://uwinnipeg.tv/live/.
Click here for His Excellency Victor Yushchenko President of Ukraine Biography
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Diane Poulin, Communications, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7126 E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
