Western University welcomes new chancellor at 306th convocation

Western University’s 306th convocation features the installation of Jack Cowin as the new chancellor, as well as honorary degrees being bestowed upon three extraordinary individuals.

The ceremonies are scheduled for the following days:

Jack Cowin
Thursday, October 22, 10 a.m.
Installation of New Chancellor

Jack Cowin, the founder and Executive Chair of Competitive Foods Australia Ltd., has been named Western’s 22nd chancellor. The Western alumnus succeeds renowned Canadian businessman and philanthropist Joseph L. Rotman, who passed away earlier this year. Cowin has contributed his professionalism and business acumen to numerous university-wide initiatives and has provided unparalleled support with multiple global strategies, including acting as Chairman of Western’s International Advisory Board. He was conferred with an honorary degree in 2000.

Lord John Krebs
Thursday, October 22, 3 p.m.
Doctor of Science, honoris causa (D. Sc.)

Lord John Krebs is Former Principal of Jesus College in the University of Oxford. A world-renowned zoologist, Lord Krebs is an expert in the behavioural ecology of birds, having published more than 300 research papers, reviews, articles and books on topics including optimal foraging behaviour, the function of song repertoires in birds and the conservation of bird populations. Lord Krebs sits in the House of Lords, the second chamber of the UK Parliament, as an independent cross-bencher.

J. Robert S. Prichard
Friday, October 23, 10 a.m.
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.)

Robert Prichard is currently the Non-Executive Chair of Torys LLP, an international business law firm with a reputation for quality, innovation and teamwork. Recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful business people by Canadian Business magazine in 2013 and 2014, Prichard was president and CEO of Torstar Corporation, a leading Canadian media company, from 2002 to 2009. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, he served as the 13th president of the University of Toronto from 1990 to 2000.

Rebecca Jamieson
Friday, October 23, 3 p.m.
Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LL.D.)

Rebecca Jamieson, Tuscarora, Eel Clan, is the President and CEO of Six Nations Polytechnic, which is a centre of excellence for Indigenous community-based learning at the post-secondary level. Honoured with the Order of Ontario, Jamieson has also been actively involved in public post-secondary education during her accomplished career, serving as the first Executive Director of the College Standards and Accreditation Council, and on the Board of Governors for several Ontario universities and Mohawk College.

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