重口味SM

David Onley, Ontario's 28th lieutenant-governor, joins U of T

Alumnus to teach, serve as special ambassador for Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games

The Honourable David Onley has stepped down as Ontario鈥檚 28th and second longest-serving lieutenant governor and will return to his roots at 重口味SM Scarborough (UTSC).

On October 1, Onley will assume the role of senior lecturer and distinguished visitor, teaching classes in the department of political science and working with students on research projects, using papers from his term in public office. He will also archive his papers while at UTSC, working with staff of the UTSC Library. 

Onley will also serve the university as special ambassador for the , contributing to the momentum leading up to the Games at a series of events on both the UTSC and St. George campuses, which will both host Games competitions.

鈥淚 am honoured to be assuming my new responsibilities at UTSC and am truly looking forward to sharing my experiences as lieutenant-governor in class and on campus,鈥&苍产蝉辫;said Onley. I鈥檓 excited as well to be ambassador for U of T to the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

An alumnus who graduated in 1975, Onley received an honorary Doctor of Laws from U of T in 2009. He was student council president at what was then known as Scarborough College. 

The early 1970s was a time of great student activism, and Onley remembers the administration reaching out to involve students in the decision-making process. That, he says, was enormously impressive. Now Onley will be reaching out to today鈥檚 students.

鈥淲e are delighted to welcome home our distinguished alum,鈥 said Professor Bruce Kidd, interim vice-president and principal, UTSC. 鈥淲e have much to learn from his experience as a journalist and activist, and from his outstanding years in public service.鈥

Professor Grace Skogstad, chair of UTSC鈥檚 department of political science, echoes the enthusiasm for Onley鈥檚 next career step. 鈥淗ere is a man who followed his passion, carving a niche for himself as one of Canada鈥檚 leading experts on NASA鈥檚 shuttle program and launching a storied and distinguished career,鈥 Skogstad said, referring to Onley鈥檚 best-selling novel about the space program, his role as founding president of the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Canada and his years as City TV鈥檚 science and technology reporter, CP24 news anchor and host of the technology series Home Page.  

鈥淥ur students have much to learn from Mr. Onley and the unique perspective he will offer from his years at Queen鈥檚 Park, which have been among the most eventful in recent memory.鈥

鈥淲e are so pleased and grateful that David Onley has agreed to take on these new positions,鈥 said Professor Meric Gertler, president of U of T. 鈥淗e is a brilliant communicator who combines a magnificent record in public office with deep knowledge of and commitment to U of T Scarborough.

鈥淒uring his term as lieutenant-governor Mr. Onley represented Ontario at many other world sporting events. He is also a great champion of the parasport movement. We could not ask for a more perfect representative of the university community.鈥

Shelley Romoff is a writer with the 重口味SM Scarborough.

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