Athabasca University congratulates new Governor General on appointment

July 08, 2010

The president of Athabasca University is delighted with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's selection of David Johnston as Canada's next Governor General. The appointment, which is effective October 1, was announced this morning in Ottawa.

"This is very good news, indeed," says Dr. Frits Pannekoek, "David Johnston represents the very best of Canada's academic community and this is a solid recognition of the important place post-secondary education plays in Canadian life. As we move more forcefully into the new knowledge economy, this appointment signals a strong degree of confidence in the role universities will play, both practically and symbolically."

Dr. Pannekoek's comments echo others in Canada's academic community.

"The Prime Minister has chosen a person of outstanding accomplishment, deep integrity, with a profound faith in Canada's future," says Paul Davidson, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. "David Johnston has been tireless in promoting the values and institutions that build a strong society, and is a passionate champion for Canada."

Mr. Johnston is currently the president of the University of Waterloo. During his presidency, that university has emerged as one of the world's premiere centres of excellence in high technology. He also holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and law degrees from Queen's University in Ontario and Cambridge University in England.

A noted constitutional expert, Mr. Johnston is a Companion of the Order of Canada and has headed McGill University in Montreal. He has taught at The University of Toronto, Queen's University, and the University of Western Ontario, where he served as Dean of the Faculty of Law.

For more information, contact:

John O'Brien
Manager, Media Relations
Athabasca University
403-298-2931
403-990-1131 (cell)
jobrien@athabascau.ca

 

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Updated August 21, 2012