Mountain Equipment CEO becomes Chancellor, Accent Inns CEO receives honorary degree at Royal Roads University Convocation
For immediate release – Nov. 2 2007
Victoria, B.C. – Mountain Equipment Co-op CEO Peter Robinson will be installed as the new Chancellor of Royal Roads University this morning at the first of two fall convocation ceremonies that will see a record number of learners accept degrees, certificates and diplomas.
Robinson, a member of the university’s Board of Governors since 2004, was elected Chair on September 14, 2007. At RRU, the chair of the board of governors becomes the university’s chancellor.
One of Robinson’s first official duties will be the presentation of an honorary doctorate to the President and Chief Executive Officer of Accent Inns Inc., Terry Farmer – a highly respected and celebrated leader in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Robinson, who graduated from RRU in 2000 with a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management, succeeds Victoria businessman Bob Skene as Chancellor. Skene served on the RRU board since October 2000, becoming Board Chair and Chancellor in 2003 upon the retirement of founding chairman Hugh Gordon, a retired partner of KPMG Consulting.
“As with our first two Chancellors, Mr. Robinson has distinguished himself in both his career and in his commitment to public service,” said Allan Cahoon, president of Royal Roads University. “His commitment to progressive management, empowering leadership and environmental sustainability are the same principles embraced by Royal Roads University as it serves the learning needs of a changing world.”
In January 2008, Robinson will leave Mountain Equipment Co-op to assume the position of CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation, an internationally respected science-based organization working to protect the balance of nature and quality of life.
“When my father, who was also named Peter Robinson, attended Royal Roads Military College in the 1950s, I expect he never imagined that his son would become chair and chancellor of its successor, Royal Roads University,” said Robinson. “It just goes to show how this remarkable place seizes hold of one’s imagination and heart, even across generations.”
Honorary degree recipient Terry Farmer founded his award-winning family-owned B.C. hotel chain in Victoria in 1986. A long-time supporter of tourism in B.C., he has received accolades including a Rotary Community Leadership Award in 2007, a Generosity of Spirit Award in 2005 and an Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Tourism and Hospitality (Pacific Region) in 1998. In 2002, he was presented with the Queens Jubilee Medal and, since April 2004, he has been a member of Tourism British Columbia`s Board of Directors. Over the years Farmer has also served as a volunteer on the boards of numerous charitable, sports and community organizations.
“The university elected to confer this honorary degree to recognize Mr. Farmer’s career as a notable B.C. entrepreneur and contributor to community life,” said Cahoon. “His record of volunteer service sets an example for our learners of successful business development combined with high ideals of service to society.”
A total of 1016 students will graduate today with about half attending either the 9:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. ceremonies. Graduate degrees will go to 608 and, of those, 437 will be awarded to international students. Undergraduate degrees will go to 310 and certificates or diplomas to 98.
The convocation ceremonies will take place at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. inside a large marquee erected on the parking lot below Hatley Castle on the university campus.
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For media queries, contact:
Communications Officer, Phil Saunders
phil.saunders@royalroads.ca (250) 391-2526, cel (250) 812-5065 or,
Community Relations Director, Stephanie Slater
stephanie.slater@royalroads.ca (250) 391-2712, cel (250) 361-5020
www.royalroads.ca
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