By: Rubin Kataki, Advancement & Alumni Relations Officer, United College
The passing of Dr. Ronald William Lang (BA’68, MA’69, LLD’14) on May 15, 2023, a visionary, champion, advocate of workers' rights and a trailblazer in public policy, left a profound impact and void in the University of Waterloo, Faculty of Arts, United College, and broader academic communities.
From his humble beginnings on a family farm to his trailblazing role as Director of Research, then Director of Research and Legislation for the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), Dr. Lang’s journey was a testament to the indomitable spirit of an academic professional who fought for the rights of workers and the development of progressive public policy.
With a desire for more knowledge and a drive to create positive change, Dr. Lang pursued higher education as an adult student at the University of Waterloo, Faculty of Arts obtaining both a Bachelor of Art’s (Honours) in Political Science in 1968, and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science in 1969. In October 1969, Dr. Lang crossed the pond and joined the London School of Economics (LSE) with a Canadian Council Scholarship and was awarded his PhD in 1974.
Dr. Lang's thesis, supervised at LSE Professor Richard Greaves, "The politics of drugs: A comparative pressure group study of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Canada and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry 1930-70 " became a significant reference in both the political science and pharmaceutical fields. During his fifteen years at the CLC, he actively participated in furthering the organization's top policy issues, leaving a lasting impact on workers' rights in Canada. His advocacy and dedication did not go unnoticed, as he was appointed to various advisory councils and boards, including the Metric Commission, the Committee on Bankruptcy and Insolvency, and the Board of Directors for the Canada Post Corporation. He also co-founded the Canadian Labour Market and Productivity Centre.
In recognition of his exceptional service to working Canadians and influence on public policy, Dr. Lang received an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree from the University of Waterloo in 2014. His impact extended beyond academic achievements, as he actively engaged with students and graduates, encouraging them to work towards creating a more compassionate and equitable society.
A special connection to the United College community
Dr. Lang ‘s connection to United College is special. Dr. Lang's commitment to education and workers' rights was further highlighted by his involvement in the Stanley Knowles Visiting Professorship in Canadian Studies at the University of Waterloo. As the Honourary Campaign Chairman of the fundraising committee, he helped raise $750,000 to support this vital program.
Dr. Lang's legacy lives on through the Stanley Knowles Visiting Lecture, an annual enriching and community-based event that brings leaders from various fields to share their expertise with the United College and broader University of Waterloo community. This event’s dedication to social justice and inclusiveness aligns perfectly with Dr. Lang's vision for a better society. Today, hosted by United College, this annual lecture features a unique topic, a prestigious lecturer, and attracts students, alumni, donors, supporters, academics across campus, and community members, to watch, listen, learn, and grow together. Dr. Lang’s legacy brings the United College community together every year.
Dr. Lang's letter to the University of Waterloo Magazine, written in 2007, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to preserving the values of inclusiveness, freedom of ideas and expression at the University of Waterloo. He expressed concern that the focus on science and engineering at the University of Waterloo had overshadowed the humanities and social studies departments, which were equally vital in shaping a compassionate and equitable society. Such letters are a stark foreshadowing for the need and responsibility of the University of Waterloo to foster a safe, inclusive, vibrant, living and learning environment where all students may obtain a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education in all fields of study, regardless of faculty, program, major, minor, or academic unit.
I read with a great deal of frustration, which slowly boiled to a slow anger, when reading the 50th anniversary edition of the Waterloo magazine. Why is the content so one-sided and slanted toward the sciences, chemistry, biotechnology, engineering, computer science, quantum physics, ad infinitum and ad absurdum. As a graduate of political science (BA 68, MA 69, PhD from the LSE 72), I find it reprehensible and irresponsible that the humanities and the social studies departments are completely ignored. Are political science, economics, sociology, philosophy, history and geography still taught? Or have these departments been abolished?
Dr. Lang despised the widening gap and income disparity between the rich and the poor and urged others to take action to reverse this trend and do better, highlighted during his 2014 speech to graduates of the University of Waterloo upon receiving his honourary doctorate:
“I also ask, in the every day actions of your new [University of Waterloo] graduate life, to do what small things you can to reverse the present trend in society."
Dr. Ronald William Lang's life and legacy serve as a reminder to make a positive impact on the world while inspiring generations of academics, social activists, and community members at United College, the Faculty of Arts, and the broader University of Waterloo community to do more, be better, and create positive change. His dedication to education, workers' rights, and creating a better society continue to resonate with the United College community and beyond.
Dr. Ronald William Lang had three great loves in his life: farming, worker’s rights, and his wife, Birthe. At United College, his personal and professional contributions will forever be cherished and celebrated, particularly at the annual Stanley Knowles Lecture. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he inspired and the positive change he brought to our community. Thank you, Dr. Ronald William Lang.