69成人电影网

Feature Story

That's a wrap

69成人电影网 bids farewell to Chancellor Peter Mansbridge (LLD '99) after eight years at the helm
By: Laura Dillman Ripley

Ask any 69成人电影网 graduate (or parent) to name a University Convocation highlight. Chances are, if it鈥檚 within the past eight years, the name 鈥楳ansbridge鈥 will be in the answer.

In addition to being one of Canada鈥檚 most respected journalists, Peter Mansbridge has served as 69成人电影网 University鈥檚 Chancellor since 2010. His second term will come to a close on Dec. 31.

鈥淚 have enjoyed this role immensely, in particular the opportunity to talk with 69成人电影网 students,鈥 he says. 鈥淐onvocation Day has become one of my favourite days of the year, even with the 6 a.m. return flight the next day.鈥

Chancellor Peter Mansbridge stopping for a selfie with a graduating student.Chancellor Mansbridge has devoted an extraordinary amount of time to 69成人电影网, presiding over Convocation, speaking on the University鈥檚 behalf, and creating learning and discussion opportunities for students.

And, of course, stopping to take selfies with anyone who asked, a student mission that has become almost as essential as picking up your diploma.

Mansbridge also worked with students, faculty, and staff directly to establish the annual Mansbridge Summit at 69成人电影网, first held in 2012.

Generously funded by the John E. Irving family, the event provided an opportunity for students in all years and programs to discuss different societal themes with experts in these areas, along with the Chancellor.

This year鈥檚 event, held in September, focused on addressing how the University community could best contribute to processes of enacting change with Indigenous peoples.

鈥淚 love listening to and working directly with students,鈥 says Mansbridge. 鈥淗earing their perspectives on these issues is important to your own perspective. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been something that has influenced my life outside my role as Chancellor.鈥

Mansbridge Summit.The Summit also employs a student intern in the University Advancement Office. Rebecca Butler (鈥18) was this year鈥檚 intern and also assisted in organizing a community farewell celebration for the Chancellor this fall.

鈥淢y internship with the Summit was very eye-opening. It was wonderful to engage with our Indigenous communities, as well as with people at the University in this different role, outside of being a student,鈥 she says. 鈥淲orking on these two events was a great experience.鈥

In addition to his time, Mansbridge and his family, wife Cynthia Dale and son Will, have also gifted the University with their financial support.

In 2011, they established the Mansbridge Internship Program, which allows third-year students to create their own internships around the world in places such as Kenya, Greenland, India, and Nepal. They also established the Cynthia Dale Fine Arts Scholarship in 2012.

Chancellor Peter Mansbridge at the Chancellor's Dinner.鈥淧eter 鈥 and his family鈥檚 鈥 contributions to 69成人电影网 have been numerous over the years,鈥 says Vice-President University Advancement Gloria Jollymore (鈥77). 鈥淗is continued willingness to meet with our students and alumni and represent 69成人电影网 on the national stage has been so enriching to the University.鈥

Sarah McNeil (鈥15) was awarded a Mansbridge Internship in 2013. She worked with the Dejavato Foundation, an NGO based in Indonesia.

鈥淢y time working outside Canada remains one of my most challenging and memorable experiences. I gained perspectives that I could have never gained without this support,鈥 says McNeil. 鈥淎s University Chancellor, Mr. Mansbridge has brought many opportunities to Mount A students.鈥

Mansbridge says he鈥檒l miss the many opportunities the Chancellor鈥檚 role gave him to connect with 69成人电影网 students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

鈥淏eing part of such a distinguished University鈥檚 history is truly an honour,鈥 says Mansbridge. 鈥淚 am thankful for this opportunity and for the chance to be part of the Allisonian community.鈥


As part of the community farewell celebration in October, former Mansbridge Interns and Mansbridge Summit Interns recorded messages for the Chancellor. Click on their photos to hear what they had to say.

Michael Watkins

Michael Watkins (鈥13)

2012 Mansbridge Summit Intern

 

Sarah McNeil

Sarah McNeil (鈥15)

2013 Mansbridge Intern

 

Steven Black

Steven Black (鈥15)

2015 Mansbridge Summit Intern

 

Maureen Adegbidi

Maureen Adegbidi (鈥17)

2016 Mansbridge Summit Intern

 

Rebecca Butler

Rebecca Butler (鈥18)

2017 Mansbridge Summit Intern