Dr. Marilou McPhedran
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marilou McPhedran to the position of Principal of the Global College, effective mid-June 2008.
A dedicated human rights advocate, Dr. McPhedran has been recognized for her work nationally and internationally, with medals from the Governor General and Queen’s Jubilee and induction into the Order of Canada. Currently she serves as Chief Commissioner, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. Hiring of this vital leadership position is possible through a supporting grant of $290,000 from the C.P. Loewen Family Foundation, of which $ 240,000 has been allocated to Global College, and $50,000 over four years has been allocated for Mennonite Studies fellowships.
Dr. McPhedran has a strong connection to UWinnipeg, where she attended and served as President of the University of Winnipeg Students Association when she was 19 years-old.
“We are privileged to have one of our most distinguished alumnus returning home to advance the vision of Global College,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg.” Dr. McPhedran’s untiring dedication in advancing the rights of women, children, the homeless and tackling systemic barriers is truly inspiring. Thanks to the C.P. Loewen Family Foundation, we have been able to find the ideal candidate to lead Global College initiatives.’
Dr. McPhedran has an accomplished university background and in the past decade has been based at York University, the University of Victoria, and most recently, the University of Saskatchewan, where in January, 2007, she was appointed as the Arial Sallows Chair in International Human Rights, in the College of Law.*
“I’ve spent my life building rights-based organizations, and coming back to the University of Winnipeg to lead the innovative Global College is truly a dream come true. When asked ‘where are you from’ I have always replied ‘Manitoba’ regardless of where I was living at the time. When the UN was being founded, Eleanor Roosevelt asked, ‘where do universal human rights begin’, and she answered, ‘close to home’ because if human rights do not have meaning there, they do not have meaning anywhere. I’m honoured and delighted to be coming home to further human rights by leading the Global College. I thank the Loewen Family Foundation, UWinnipeg. and President Axworthy for entrusting me with this wonderful opportunity.”
“The C.P. Loewen Family Foundation is pleased to make this strategic investment in advancing the mission of the Global College,” said John Loewen, President, C.P. Loewen Family Foundation. “Our goal is to nurture the strength and vibrancy of people, of communities, and of societies. The role of leadership in issues of global importance is critical to our ability to make positive strides in improving the lives of individuals and strengthening the fabric of the communities in which they live and work.”
“These generous gifts by the C.P. Loewen Family Foundation will enable substantial progress towards Loewen Family Foundation and UWinnipeg Global College’s shared commitment to individuals, community, and the environment. We are thankful for this leading donation to The University of Winnipeg’s ‘A World of Opportunity’ Capital Campaign,” said Campaign Chair R.M. (Bob) Kozminski.
Last month, Global College launched a new BA degree in Human Rights & Global Studies, the first of its kind in Western Canada. Find out more about Global College at: http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/global-college-index.
The C.P. Loewen Family Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of charitable causes in the areas of education, faith, respect and tolerance, poverty alleviation and environment. Loewen, located in Southeast Manitoba, employs 1500 people in the manufacturing and distribution of a premier line of Douglas Fir and Mahogany window and door products. A privately held Canadian corporation, Loewen distributes its products around the world with a focus on the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and Latin America. Loewen celebrated its Centennial year in business in 2005.
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TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. MARILOU McPHEDRAN CONTACT:
Diane Poulin, Communications, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
