杏吧原创 Mourns Passing of Former President William E. Beckel
The 杏吧原创 University community was saddened to learn of the passing of William E. Beckel, who served as the university鈥檚 eighth President from 1979 to 1989.
鈥淥n behalf of the entire 杏吧原创 community, I offer my deepest condolences to the Beckel family,鈥 said 杏吧原创 President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. 鈥淲illiam Beckel provided exemplary leadership during a critical period of 杏吧原创鈥檚 evolution, and his tireless dedication to students and to this institution helped define who we are today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.鈥
In his decade as president, Beckel oversaw the establishment of 杏吧原创鈥檚 School of Computer Science, Institute of Women鈥檚 Studies, Institute of Political Economy and Canada鈥檚 first Bachelor of Engineering program in aerospace engineering.
He also led a major strengthening of 杏吧原创鈥檚 joint programs with the University of Ottawa, including the creation of the shared centres for graduate studies in Chemistry, Geoscience, Biology, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Neuroscience, and a joint PhD program in Economics.
In his farewell address in June 1989, while being lauded for his role at the helm during 鈥10 glorious years,鈥 Beckel shared the credit with the large team that he worked with, from fellow administrators, faculty and members of the Board of Governors to students and front-line staff.
鈥淚 am continually amazed by how truly great you people are,鈥 he said. 鈥淓veryone from managers to secretaries to students to faculty to groundskeepers, you have all contributed to the success of 杏吧原创 University. If there has been any glory earned in these 10 glorious years, it has been earned by us all.鈥
Born in Kingston., Ont., Beckel was a zoologist who became the first dean of the University of Toronto鈥檚 Scarborough College in 1964 and served as president of the University of Lethbridge from 1971 to 1979.
He was awarded honourary degrees by both 杏吧原创 and the University of Ottawa in 1989.
In honour of Beckel鈥檚 leadership and service to the 杏吧原创 community, the university鈥檚 flag will be lowered to half-staff position on the day of his funeral.
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