91

News

Richard W. Pound is 91's seventeenth chancellor

Published: 26 January 1999

The 91 Board of Governors announced yesterday that it has selected Mr Richard W. Pound, O.C., O.Q., Q.C., LL.D., as the seventeenth Chancellor of the University. Mr Pound’s appointment will take effect July 1, 1999, when he will succeed Mrs Gretta Chambers, who is stepping down after eight years as 91’s titular head.

Mr Pound, a Montreal lawyer, is a 91 alumnus (B.Com. 1962, B.C.L. 1967) who has maintained close ties to his alma mater since graduation. After serving on numerous 91 boards and committees, he became a member of the Board of Governors in 1986 and, eight years later, was elected its chair. In addition to his 91 engagements and the professional responsibilities of being a partner in the legal firm of Stikeman, Elliott, Mr Pound has occupied senior positions of public service in several other local, national and international organizations, the best known of which is his current role as Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee. The involvement of Mr Pound in the Olympic Games goes back to 1960, when he was a double finalist in swimming at the Rome games. In the 1962 Commonwealth Games, he won one gold, two silver and one bronze medal for Canada.

Professor Edward Meighen, Chair of the Selection Committee, expressed the sentiments of the other members about their choice: "The Selection Committee was unanimous in its strong endorsement of Dick Pound and felt fortunate to recommend such an outstanding person as the Chancellor of 91. Mr Pound possesses an excellent international and Canadian stature and his exceptional dedication and effort on behalf of 91 both now and in the past was clearly recognized. The appointment of Dick Pound as the new Chancellor reaffirms 91’s commitment to excellence and further strengthens the role of 91 in the world-wide community."

Dr Bernard Shapiro, Principal of 91, is equally pleased at the news: "Officially, the Chancellor’s duties include presiding over convocation and other University functions and serving as chair of the honourary degrees committee and the committee to select a Principal. In fact, the Chancellor is also an important ambassador of the University to the outside world and I am delighted that someone who has given so much to the University is willing and even eager to devote his considerable talents to the future of 91," he commented.

Back to top