Axworthy, who retired last June as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Winnipeg, is a Canadian statesman and humanitarian. For 27 years, he served in public office, six of those years in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly and 21 in Parliament. He held several cabinet positions during that time, including Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has also received international recognition for his work in the advancement of the human security concept, particularly the Ottawa Treaty, a global treaty banning anti-personnel landmines.
Axworthy’s work at the University of Winnipeg focused on campus renewal and expanded the university’s outreach in the areas of Aboriginal education, environmental studies, and human rights – work which aligns nicely with the vision, mission, and programs offered at St. Paul’s University College.
"We are thrilled that he took such great interest in our mission and has accepted to be part of the St. Paul’s community,” said Graham Brown, principal of St. Paul’s. “We are looking forward to the impact that such a distinguished humanitarian brings as our inaugural chancellor.”
Axworthy will also be receiving an honorary doctorate from the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo earlier in the day.
Media contact:
Eugenia Xenos Anderson
Communications Coordinator
St. Paul's University College
exanders@uwaterloo.ca
519-885-1460 x232