the Portico
“Our mission is to enhance the relationship between the University and its alumni and friends and promoted pride and commitment within the University Community.”U of G Welcomes New Chancellor
David Mirvish
David Mirvish, a Canadian theatre producer, art collector and lifelong supporter of the arts, will be installed as University of Guelph chancellor during the June 11convocation ceremony.
“David has been a dominant force in Canada’s artistic community for decades and possesses great vision, ingenuity, imagination and enthusiasm,” says U of G president Alastair Summerlee. “He is known nationally and internationally for his productions and artistic contributions. His experience, wealth of ideas and endless creativity will be an asset in these times of great challenges. He will also add lustre to our reputation as a place that inspires creativity and engaged inquiry.”
As U of G’s eighth chancellor, Mirvish will preside at convocations, confer all University degrees and act as an ambassador. As the University’s senior volunteer, he will represent its interests to all government levels.
“I am proud to become a member of a university community that is making a difference around the world,” says Mirvish. “I look forward to getting to know the students, faculty, staff and alumni, and to being an ambassador for Guelph’s people, ideas and innovations.”
As a longtime arts patron, Mirvish is an internationally renowned collector of modern art and a supporter and developer of Canadian theatre productions and emerging visual artists. He owns and operates Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre (formerly the Canon Theatre) and Panasonic Theatre. He also operated the renowned Old Vic theatre in London, England.
Mirvish ran David Mirvish Gallery, which supported contemporary art and Canadian artists, and operated an art bookstore for 38 years. He has been named to the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada, and has received honorary degrees from several universities. He has served as a trustee of the National Gallery of Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum.
