HALIFAX, Oct. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Saint Mary's University is proud to announce that Dr. Paul D. Sobey, FCA, BComm, DComm, former President and Chief Executive officer of Empire Company Limited, has agreed to serve as the University's next Chancellor. In assuming this role, he follows in the tradition of his father, Dr. David F. Sobey, who served with distinction as the first lay Chancellor of the University from 2008 until 2010.
"Paul Sobey has given Saint Mary's more than two decades of visionary leadership and loyal support," says John Fitzpatrick Q.C., Chair of Saint Mary's University's Board of Governors. "From service on our Board of Governors to chairing Hearts and Minds, an ambitious capital campaign that raised more than $45 million, he has played a critical role in placing this University at the forefront in the education of global citizens."
During Paul Sobey's 34-year career with Empire Company Limited, the company grew to become a national food retailer. Landmark achievements under Dr. Sobey's leadership include the takeover of the Oshawa Group and its IGA chain, a bold move that almost quadrupled the business in size; and a $5.8 billion deal in 2013 that saw Empire Company take over 213 Canadian Safeway stores.
In addition to the leadership he has demonstrated in business, Paul Sobey is a strong community supporter and advocate for education. He has given his time and talents to many organizations, sitting on a number of boards, including Emera Inc. and Nova Scotia Power; as a member of the Board of Governors of Saint Mary's University; as a Trustee of Crombie REIT; and as a Director for Scotiabank, Empire Company Limited, and Sobeys Inc.
Dr. Sobey has also served as a member of the Board of Governors of Saint Mary's University and currently sits as a trustee of The Sobey Foundation, The Sobey Art Foundation, and as Chair of the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies.
"I am honoured and humbled by the opportunity to represent Saint Mary's as its new Chancellor," said Paul Sobey. "Not only is it among the finest post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada and a national leader in business education, but I have been a proud father and uncle to several Saint Mary's students and alumni. I look forward to seeing Saint Mary's continue to grow as a national university," he added.
In recognition of Dr. Sobey's many community contributions, he received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. He has also received three special tributes from Saint Mary's: an Associate Alumni Membership; induction into Saint Mary's Turning Points Hall of Leadership, and an Honorary Doctorate of Commerce.
"We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with Paul Sobey," says Saint Mary's President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. J. Colin Dodds. "In addition to being a remarkable friend and a great inspiration to Saint Mary's, he is a walking master class for students in the Sobey School of Business. Not only does he give financially through student financial aid and gifts in support of campus infrastructure, but he also gives generously of his time."
In accepting the role of Chancellor, Dr. Sobey will follow Dr. Robert P. Kelly FCA, who was installed as Chancellor in 2010. During Dr. Kelly's term, Saint Mary's consolidated its position as a leader in research initiatives, strengthened its mission to educate citizens of the world, and became nationally recognized as a Canadian leader in the recruitment of international students.
"Over the past five years, we have benefitted greatly from Bob Kelly's leadership as Chancellor," says John Fitzpatrick. "His passion for Saint Mary's and advocacy for our students has left the University in a strong position. We thank him for the commitment and vision he brought to his role as Chancellor."
Image with caption: "Paul D. Sobey Named Chancellor of Saint Mary’s University. (CNW Group/Saint Mary's University)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141028_C3593_PHOTO_EN_7202.jpg
SOURCE: Saint Mary's University
Travis Smith, Communications Officer, External Affairs, Saint Mary's University, 902.420.5051, [email protected]; Bernard Doucet, Director of Corporate Affairs, Sobeys Inc., 902.752.8371 ext. 2301, [email protected]
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