“The importance of education, the devotion to the common good through loyal public service, is a tribute to Canadian values to try harder, to do better, to understand a complex world that we live in,” says Mar, who was fortunate to meet the university’s namesake as a child when Dr. J.W. Grant MacEwan visited his father’s convenience store, and again throughout his career. “Dr. MacEwan’s legacy calls on each of us to ask, ‘How will we use our education to strengthen our communities, take care of the world that has been entrusted to us and to improve the lives of those around us?’”
Before performing the ceremonial oath of office, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc., LLD (hon), congratulated Mar on his appointment.
“I know that Mr. Gary Mar has great respect for this university and for the power of education. MacEwan, your reputation will continue to grow under his watch as chancellor and I look forward to watching this evolve as it happens,” she said. “Thank you also to everyone at MacEwan University for all that you do to nurture, mentor and inspire our future generations.”
The ceremony, rooted in university traditions, welcomed Mar to MacEwan University and celebrated his appointment. Mar will serve as chancellor for four years, with a focus on creating connections and strengthening the university’s capacity to build community relationships and partnerships.
After the Honourable Salma Lakhani administered the oath of office and installed Mar as chancellor, the Honourable Ed Stelmach, past premier of Alberta and former colleague of Mar, shared a congratulatory message, along with MacEwan’s provost and vice-president, Academic, Dr. Craig Monk.
Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor, offered a welcome on behalf of MacEwan.
“Gary Mar stood out as a person who has served as a champion throughout his career. Someone who is excited to engage with the community and share the good work that others are doing. Those qualities were evident on the first day he arrived at MacEwan to meet the selection committee. Gary didn’t just meet us and leave. He travelled around campus, talking to our faculty and our students. He wanted to learn about MacEwan from the people who work and study here,” she said.
“Who better to advocate for your organization than someone who wants to deeply understand the people within it?”
The event included performances from the MacEwan University Big Band, including “New Horizons,” a piece composed specifically for the installation by Dr. Allan Gilliland, dean emeritus of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications.