Ed Lumley, who retires as Chancellor of the University of Windsor today — May 28 — has been granted the title Chancellor Emeritus in honour of his exemplary service to the institution and community.
The University’s Board of Governors bestowed the title on the outgoing Chancellor during a dinner Monday night to mark the end of his tenure.
“During his 13 years as Chancellor, Ed Lumley has exemplified the qualities of outstanding leadership, fulfilling his duties with honour and commitment to his home town and university,” said board chair William Willis. “His support of students and his advocacy for the University have had an enormous impact, and we are honoured to recognize his continuing legacy.”
As Chancellor, Lumley conferred nearly 55,000 degrees, representing 40 per cent of the University’s 136,000 alumni.
Later today, Lumley will also receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the afternoon session of the University’s 111th Convocation. The morning session will mark the installation of Chancellor Mary Jo Haddad. Convocation ceremonies continue through Friday.
Lumley was left “speechless” by the tributes.
“My business career had wrapped up, my political career had finished, and to end your career as chancellor of your alma mater in your hometown is an incredible honour,” he said. “And for them to name me Chancellor Emeritus… I mean, it’s too much for words.”
During his time as Chancellor, Lumley has worked tirelessly to promote the University and has helped fundraise over $100 million in support of capital projects and scholarships. Of that total, $80 million came from federal and provincial government contributions for the Centre for Engineering Innovation.
On May 30, 2012, Lumley was also the focus of a benefit attended by former prime ministers, premiers, and federal and provincial cabinet ministers that helped raise $5.3 million for the centre. The $112-million building was the largest capital investment in campus history.
This world-class hub for innovation spans 300,000 square feet, and features the latest in classroom teaching technology, an Industrial Courtyard for collaborative work with the region, and 80 research labs. Lumley’s unwavering support of the University resulted in the naming of the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation in 2013.
In fall 2014, Ron Joyce, chair of the Joyce Foundation, announced a $10-million gift in support of students at the University of Windsor in the form of a bursary to be named the Ed Lumley Bursary, in recognition of the Chancellor’s commitment to the University and the Windsor-Essex community. Since 2015-16, 58 students have benefited from the bursary and each will qualify for as much as $32,000 in assistance during their four years of study.
Born and raised in Windsor, Lumley graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Commerce from Assumption University, the predecessor of the University of Windsor.
Prior to his appointment as Chancellor, Lumley had a distinguished record of achievement as an entrepreneur and mayor of Cornwall, Ontario, before serving 10 years as a Member of Parliament and holding several senior cabinet portfolios in the federal government. Those positions included Minister of Industry, of International Trade, and of Science and Technology. A successful corporate executive, Lumley served as vice-chair of BMO Nesbitt Burns for more than 25 years and was a member of a number of domestic and international corporate boards of directors. He has also been involved in numerous non-profit organizations.
In July 2014, Lumley was invested as a member of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement.