Former President Peter George recognized by Council of Ontario Universities
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/PeterGeorgeTorontoAward.jpg” caption=”Former President Peter George was honoured recently with the Council of Ontario Universities’ David C. Smith Award. The award recognizes individuals who have worked to significantly advance higher education and research. Photo by JD Howell.”]The Council of Ontario Universities has honoured former University President Peter
George with the David C. Smith Award.
The award recognizes individuals who have worked to significantly advance higher
education and research. It is named for the late David C. Smith, who contributed to both
scholarship and public policy on higher education.
“A passionate leader, Peter transformed McMaster University with his focus on
excellence in teaching and research and his vision for internationalizing the student
experience on campus,” said Bonnie Patterson, president of the Council of Ontario
Universities. “He was also a tireless advocate for the university sector, advancing higher
education and research through his roles at the Council of Ontario Universities and the
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. I congratulate Peter, my good friend
and former colleague, for his remarkable career.”
“What a great honour it is for me to receive the David C. Smith Award,” said George at
the dinner held to celebrate his accomplishments. “It is a special joy to have met and
worked with so many talented, passionate colleagues, students, alumni, volunteers and
George spent 45 years at McMaster, retiring in 2010 after three terms as the University's
President and Vice-Chancellor. During that time he led the development of McMaster
Innovation Park, partnerships in programming with Mohawk College, the establishment
of satellite medical schools and the expansion of the University into downtown Hamilton
and the city of Burlington.
George has been awarded the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario and honorary
degrees and honours from numerous universities in Canada and abroad.