UCC congratulates Michael Ignatieff '65 on Liberal leadership
12/11/2008
Michael Ignatieff '65, Liberal MP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, was acclaimed party leader after Bob Rae — his last rival in the race — dropped out Dec. 9.
“UCC is extremely proud of this new phase in his illustrious career,” says Principal Jim Power. “Mr. Ignatieff embodies so many of the values we aim to instill in our boys — strength of character, a global perspective, tenacity, a passion for public service and a willingness to take on leadership roles, no matter the challenges.”
The UCC alumnus is a Harvard-educated historian, journalist, author and lifelong Liberal. He is one of the world's foremost experts on human rights, democracy, security and international affairs. Widely respected throughout the international community, he has advised governments and world leaders, and inspired students at leading universities around the globe.
Ignatieff was welcomed back to UCC as the keynote speaker for Founder's Dinner in January 2007. At that time, he eloquently supported the College's current mission to address the issue of accessibility.
“You should all be proud of the privilege which a UCC education confers,” he said. “But it's important to make sure that such an education is also available to all those with the brains and ability to claim it.”
Ignatieff also paid tribute to his “great” teachers at UCC, including Latin teacher Terence Bredin, to whom Ignatieff credited for instilling in him the love of language. “I’ve been a university professor all my life, and the only teachers whose names I remember are from this school,” he said.