The Student Services Centre on York’s Keele campus will be officially renamed today as The Bennett Centre for Student Services, in honour of Avie Bennett, former chancellor of the University.
Right: Chancellor Emeritus Avie Bennett
“There is no better way for us to recognize the many contributions that Avie Bennett has made to York than to forever connect his name with his greatest passion at the University – its students,” said York President & Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden.
The official ceremony to announce the new name will take place today in the building’s lobby at 2:30pm.
“The leadership and generosity demonstrated by Avie Bennett serves as an outstanding example for others who wish to support students and inspire future leaders,” said Robert Tiffin, vice-president students.
From 1998 to 2004, Bennett served as chancellor of York University, where he is presently Chancellor Emeritus and a member of the Board of Directors of the York University Foundation. Bennett is the Chair of McClelland & Stewart Ltd.; Chair of the Historica Foundation of Canada; president of the International Readings at Harbourfront Centre; and Honorary Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Art Gallery of Ontario. In 2000, Bennett was co-chair of the Canadian Democracy and Corporate Accountability Commission.
In 2004, Bennett was promoted within the Order of Canada to the rank of Companion. He received the Order of Ontario in 1996. Bennett received an honorary doctor of letters degree (DLitt) from York University in June 2004, an honorary doctor of university (DU) degree from the University of Ottawa in 1997 and an honorary doctor of laws (LLD) from the University of Toronto in 1995.
Bennett has been a member of many cultural, educational, and government agencies over the past 10 years including The Premier’s Economic Council of Ontario, The National Ballet of Canada, the Schulich School of Business, and the United Way of Greater Toronto.