Former Chief Justice Become Concordia’s First Chancellor
Posted on: Apr 22, 2013
Concordia University College of Alberta is delighted to announce that his Honour, former Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench, Allan Wachowich Q.C., LL.D, will be the university’s first officially serving chancellor.
Formerly Alberta’s Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench from 2000 to 2009, the Honourable Allan Wachowich has been actively involved in all aspects of community life in Alberta. He was first admitted to the Alberta bar in 1959.
His Honour has served on literally dozens of boards, including as member and Chair of Alberta College, as chairman of the Edmonton General Hospital Board, and the Canadian Catholic Institute for Development and Peace.
The chairman of Concordia’s board, Mr. John McDonald III, ICD.D. says, “Personally, and on behalf of the Board, I am elated that the Honourable Allan Wachowich has agreed to serve as Concordia’s Chancellor. Given the opportunities and challenges we are facing in Alberta's post-secondary sector, we are indeed fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, committed and community-minded individual helping to ensure Concordia's long-term success as one of Edmonton's premier institutions of higher learning.”
The Honourable Allan Wachowich is a proud father of four and grandfather of eight, who knows well the value of higher education. Two of his children are lawyers, one a teacher, and the fourth a university professor. “The motivation of my parents coming to Canada was to ensure that their children and grandchildren received an education. I can think of no better way of honouring this desire than serving as chancellor of Concordia University College, which has contritubted so much to the education of so many, not only in this city, but the province and country.”
Concordia’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Gerald Krispin, adds, “We are honoured to have the honourable Justice Wachowich as our Chancellor. Concordia will profit not only from his boundless energy and values, but from his wisdom and commitment to community. He personifies Concordia’s mission of educating “independent thinkers, ethical leaders, reflective servants in their occupations, and citizens for the common good.”
The Chancellor is chosen and appointed by the Board of Governors of Concordia University College of Alberta, who becomes a voting member of the Board, represents the public interest in the university, and presides over the annual convocation and conferring of all degrees.