When the final student crosses the stage at MacEwan's Spring Convocation on June 19, it will mark the ceremonial end of Dr. Anthony (Tony) Fields's historic four years in the role as chancellor.
Dr. Anthony (Tony) Fields and board chair Carolyn Graham at one of the nine Convocation ceremonies he will have presided over when his tenure as chancellor is complete.
The renowned oncologist and visionary leader in cancer care was selected by the university's Board of Governors as MacEwan's first chancellor following an amendment to Alberta's Post-secondary Learning Act in 2019. This change established MacEwan University as an undergraduate university and created the opportunity for the institution to establish an alumni association, confer honorary doctorates and install a chancellor.
"Dr. Fields was the absolute best choice for MacEwan's first chancellor," says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. "He taught us what a chancellor could be - how to do a ceremony with style, and how a chancellor is more than ceremony. He engages with people of all ages in a way that suggests they can surpass him, that their futures are unlimited."
MacEwan's chancellor carries out the university's ceremonial and official functions and plays a key role in building relationships with the community and supporting the advancement of the institution's profile and philanthropic goals.
"I learned a huge amount about MacEwan during my time as chancellor, and I have been so impressed," said Dr. Fields. "These are tough times in post-secondary education, with many of our prominent institutions struggling across Canada. But MacEwan is growing in its greatness. I've seen tangible progress during my four years here, and I can see the incredible future this institution has ahead of it. To have been part of that has been a wonderful, stimulating and rewarding experience."
During his four years as chancellor, Dr. Fields marked many MacEwan milestones - from being installed as the university's first chancellor and receiving one of its first honorary doctorates to introducing the Chancellor's Scholarship Series, Chancellor's Research Chairs and Chancellor Speaker Series. He also played an important role in celebrating the university's 50th anniversary.
"The university is honoured to have had Dr. Fields fill this role," says Dr. Trimbee. "During his term, he has made remarkable contributions to our community, championed the university's priorities and served as one of our most distinguished ambassadors. His tenure as chancellor is a milestone in and of itself - one that marks the beginning of the institution's next half-century."
MacEwan's next chancellor will be announced in the coming months.
