THUNDER BAY – Derek Burney jokes it’s not too often a person is hanged and lives to talk about it.
In a much less sinister manner than it might imply, that’s precisely what happened on Thursday to Lakehead University’s outgoing chancellor.
Burney, Canada’s former ambassador to the United States and chief of staff under prime minister Brian Mulroney, was honoured in a noon-hour ceremony at the Thunder Bay school, his portrait hung in the senate chambers alongside his predecessors in the role, which saw him confer more than 8,000 degrees during a four-year tenure.
Burney, who left Fort William in 1958, seven years before Lakehead received its charter, said he’s always placed education in the upper echelon of importance.
“If I’ve learned one thing, it is apart from DNA, the quality of education is what determines success in life,” the 77-year-old Burney said in a brief speech following the unveiling of his portrait.
“I sincerely believe in the value of education and the quality of good education.”
Burney, who will give a speech on Thursday night detailing his thoughts on Canada in the world of Donald Trump, encouraged LU faculty to continue providing the next generation of learners with the knowledge they need to succeed.
“With better learning and better teaching, you’re going to make the community of Thunder Bay better and the country of Canada better,” Burney said, calling his time at the university a good ride.
Lakehead president Brian Stevenson called it a bittersweet day.
“It’s a sad time because it’s the end of an era and the chancellor is now retiring,” Stevenson said. “But the chancellor has now been given the role of chancellor emeritus so he can continue to work with the university on issues that he’s interested in.”
Burney had a huge impact since he assumed the role in January 2013, Stevenson added.
He led by example, donating to the school while opening up doors to find new donors and ideas to take the university forward.
“He has helped us a lot refining the protocols around our public events. Secondly he has helped us highlight the image of the university in Ottawa and in Toronto and in Calgary, by helping us do fundraising, by raising awareness and by helping us connect with his contacts,” Stevenson said, adding he expects to name a new chancellor soon.
Burney’s speech, part of the Canada 150 Fundraiser Speaker Series, will take place at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
