FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE ORGANIZATION OF PART-TIME UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Dr. Edward G. King first became involved with the Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS) in 1992 and has been one of the organization's most dedicated and influential leaders. Throughout his years of service, he held nearly every elected executive position, including President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Director at Large. Most notably, he served as President for 18 years, helping shape OPUS into one of the University of Windsor's strongest advocates for part-time and mature undergraduate students.
During his leadership, OPUS continued to strengthen its voice across the University through representation on the Board of Governors, Senate, numerous university committees, and judicial panels. His commitment to student advocacy has left a lasting impact on generations of students and the University community.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. King received the OPUS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and the University of Windsor Clark Award in 2006.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, on December 2, 1935, Dr. King shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Pauline (1961–2019). Together they raised two daughters: Bethany, a clinical psychologist specializing in youth aged 12 to 18, and Jylene, a Personal Support Worker dedicated to caring for seniors.
A lifelong learner, Dr. King earned an exceptional academic record that includes a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Master of Arts in Philosophy, Master of Arts in Religious Studies, Master of Arts in English, Master of Education, Master of Religious Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy.
His distinguished teaching career spanned more than 34 years, serving as an Associate Professor at Marygrove College and as a Special Education Teacher with the Essex County Board of Education. Beyond the classroom, Dr. King devoted countless hours to community service, volunteering with organizations including CARP, the John Howard Society, graduate student organizations, and OPUS.
Dr. King and Pauline were recognized together as Volunteer Family of the Year by the United Way and received numerous awards from organizations including Rotary, Catholic Family Services, the Government of Ontario (three times), the University of Windsor, Leddy Library, and the Alzheimer Society.
Even after retiring from full-time teaching, Dr. King continued to share his knowledge by teaching five-week non-credit courses through Unicom and Elder College. He also remained actively involved in university governance, serving on the University Senate, Senate Governance Committee, UCAPT, ULAC, Library Search Committees, and the City of Windsor Senior Advisory Committee.
Reflecting on his remarkable service, OPUS Executive Director Maryam Amalow wrote:
"We would like to wish the President of OPUS a happy retirement after twenty years of hard work and commitment to the University of Windsor community. It is hard to believe that this will be his final term at OPUS, and we offer our most heartfelt farewell to a great colleague, companion, and friend."
As OPUS celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2019, we proudly recognize Dr. Edward G. King for his decades of exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication to students, and lasting legacy at the University of Windsor.