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Message from Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier on the passing of Chancellor Emerita Gretta Chambers

Published: 9 September 2017

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our Chancellor Emerita, Gretta Chambers. On behalf of the McGill University community, I extend my condolences to her family and pay homage to the many ways she supported McGill throughout her life. She has made an immense contribution to our university and to the society in which she lived.

McGill’s first female Chancellor, she served in that position from 1991 to 1999 and also served on McGill’s Board of Governors from 1978 to 1988. She was named an Officer of the Ordre National du Québec in 1993 and, in 1994, a Member of the Order of Canada, in which she was promoted in 2000 to Companion.

Gretta was an unfailing supporter of her alma mater, from which she received a Bachelor’s degree in 1947.  It was always a special joy to recognize her at our Convocation ceremonies, which she attended  loyally to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. As a journalist and political commentator, and as a significant figure in the life of her community and her institution, Gretta brought insight, wit and wisdom to the various roles she played. We will deeply miss her presence on campus but she will forever remain in our hearts.

 

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