WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is becoming a hub for the study and appreciation of Canadian history with the announcement today of the newly created H. Sanford Riley Centre for Canadian History.
The H. Sanford Riley Centre for Canadian History forms the umbrella for the H. Sanford Riley Fellowship in Canadian History; Canada’s National History Society, which publishes the popular, national Beaver magazine; the Oral History Centre; the Chair in German Canadian Studies; the Plett Foundation; the Centre for the Teaching of Manitoba History; and Centre for Rupert’s Land Studies, which now all have a consolidated presence on campus in Bryce Hall.
H. Sanford Riley, President & CEO of Richardson Financial Group Limited, has served as UWinnipeg’s Sixth Chancellor for nine years. Serving also as Chair of The University of Winnipeg Foundation for over six years, he has demonstrated unwavering personal commitment to UWinnipeg. In 2007, he made a generous donation to establish a new fellowship fund devoted to enhancing the capacity for Canadians to explore our unique history. The H. Sanford Riley Fellowships in Canadian History will enable historians to visit the University to undertake research projects, conduct academic seminars and offer public lectures on the history of Canada. Each fellow will be invited to deliver a Distinguished Lecture to the community and to develop an interest in Canadian history among high school students.
“In his three full terms as Chancellor, H. Sanford Riley has displayed a keen understanding of and unparalleled commitment to UWinnipeg’s mission to nurture an informed citizenship,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor. “Our students, faculty and the public we serve will directly benefit for many years to come as we initiate lively discussions, lectures and conferences about our past, present and future as a country under the H. Sanford Riley Centre for Canadian History banner.”
Dr. Nolan Reilly, Director of the Centre for Canadian History and Co-Director of the Oral History Centre, recommended the naming in recognition of Mr. Riley’s funding of the H. Sanford Riley Fellowship in Canadian History and his many other contributions to the successful evolution of the Centre for Canadian History.
“Sandy Riley’s commitment of his time and resources to the founding of the Centre for Canadian History is appreciated greatly by those of us involved in the centre’s development. Our decision to call the institute the H. Sanford Riley Centre for Canadian History is recognition of his valuable assistance in its founding.”
H. Sanford Riley, awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws at today’s Convocation ceremony, will complete his third term as Chancellor at the end of June 2009.
