Mila Mulroney named chancellor of St. Francis-xavier University
Mila Mulroney, widow of Brian Mulroney, Canada's 18th prime minister, has been named chancellor of St. Francis-xavier University, her late husband's alma mater in Antigonish, N.S.
The announcement was made by the university on Tuesday, describing the new chancellor as a “STFX honorary degree recipient and a highly respected Canadian philanthropist.”
In a separate communiqué, Mila Mulroney noted that the school is where her husband was “first inspired to get involved in politics and public service, introducing him to a strong set of values that guided him along his journey ... Over the past 50 years, I have spent a lot of time on campus, and I have met so many wonderful Xaverians from across Canada and beyond. I am humbled and honoured to become the 11th Chancellor of STFX and to continue the work of advancing this one-of-a-kind institution.”
University officials noted that “Mila's national and international profile and demonstrated leadership will prove to bring invaluable strengths to the university moving forward over the next several years.”
St. Francis-xavier University, established in 1853, is home to the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, a centre for undergraduate education in the areas of government, public policy and research. The Mulroney Institute is home to two research chairs named in the new chancellor's honour — the Mila Mulroney Research Chair in women, policy and governance leadership and the Mila Mulroney Research Chair in women and politics. Both chairs focus on advancing knowledge affecting the lives of women today.
Mulroney assumes her role as chancellor effective immediately with an official installation ceremony scheduled for December.