Memorial applauds government’s choice for new chancellor

June 27, 2008

Memorial University of Newfoundland’s acting president welcomes the appointment of General Rick Hillier as the university’s chancellor.

Premier Danny Williams announced on Thursday, June 26, that Gen. Hillier, a graduate of Memorial and ardent advocate of the university, will be appointed effective July 3. A formal installation of the new chancellor will be held during Memorial’s fall convocation in October.

“We are delighted that Gen. Hillier will be the new chancellor of Memorial. He has always been a tireless supporter of Memorial and he brings his immense experience, energy and enthusiasm to our university community,” said Dr. Eddy Campbell, acting president.

“Our students, faculty, staff and alumni will benefit from the many contributions he will make. I thank him for taking on this new role.” 

The chancellor is a member of Memorial’s Board of Regents and its Senate and serves as chairman of convocation where he confers degrees.

The chancellor is the titular head of the university and Memorial’s highest-ranking volunteer position.

Gen. Hillier will be the sixth chancellor in Memorial’s history. He succeeds Dr. John Crosbie who resigned from the position to become the province’s lieutenant-governor earlier this year. He was installed as chancellor in October 1994.

Gen. Hillier graduated from Memorial in 1976 with a bachelor of science degree and has become one of its best known graduates.

He steps down as Canada’s chief of defence staff on July 2 after a distinguished career with the Armed Forces spanning more than three decades.

In 2003 he was presented with the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award at Memorial’s Alumni Tribute Awards.

Over the span of his military career, Gen. Hillier has commanded troops in Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States. He announced earlier this year he would retire from his post as chief of defence staff in July.


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