dwight duncan named new university of windsor chancellor
twilhelm@postmedia.com
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the windsor-detroit bridge authority held a press conference on friday, september 28, 2018, to announce the fixed-priced contract with bridging north america to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the gordie howe international bridge. dwight duncan, chair of the wdba board of directors speaks during the event.
dan janisse
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windsor star
former ontario finance minister and deputy premier dwight duncan has been named the university of windsor’s new chancellor. “what an honour to be appointed chancellor of the university of windsor,” said duncan. “my close and ongoing affiliation with the school dates back 46 years. i am humbled knowing that i will be succeeding mary jo haddad, ed lumley, richard rohmer and the other outstanding individuals who have filled this role. i look forward to working with our students, faculty, and entire community as we move forward, with confidence, to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
uwindsor announced wednesday that duncan will officially take over the new role, replacing mary jo haddad, during the spring 2025 convocation. until then, he will have the title of chancellor designate.
a chancellor is the titular head of the university who confers all degrees and diplomas on behalf of the senate. the chancellor also represents uwindsor at external functions and serves as an advisor to the university community.
duncan is best known for his 18 years in the ontario legislature. the former liberal mpp served as deputy premier, minister of finance, minister of energy, chair of management board, chair of cabinet, government house leader, and house leader of the official opposition.
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he is currently a senior advisor for canadian investor relations with the new york-based law firm bernstein, litowitz, berger, and grossmann.
duncan is also an alumnus of the university of windsor, with two earned degrees and one honorary doctorate.
“i am delighted to welcome dwight back to the university of windsor community in this new capacity,” said university president and vice-chancellor rob gordon. “as a highly experienced leader and communicator with a record of accomplishments across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, dwight will bring a wealth of knowledge to the campus community.”
duncan’s appointment follows the announcement in september that current chancellor mary jo haddad is stepping down when her term ends on may 31, 2025.
since her appointment in 2018, haddad has presided over 92 convocations, conferred degrees on 34,000 students, and awarded 20 honorary degrees, 13 distinguished university professors, 12 alumni teaching awards, and 255 student awards.
“i am so pleased to pass the baton to a fellow alumnus and champion of the university of windsor,” she said. “it is an incredible honour to serve our university community.”
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