This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
The University of Lethbridge is saddened to learn of the passing of former Canadian Liberal senator and ULethbridge honorary degree recipient Joyce Fairbairn.
Fairbairn, a pioneer who was one of the first women journalists in the Parliamentary Press Gallery, was elected to Senate in 1984 and served in that capacity until resigning from her seat in 2013 due to health complications. She was the first woman to serve as leader of the government in the Senate, was a champion of literacy issues and instrumental in the development of the University Library, helping to arrange the first public grant money toward its construction.
“Joyce Fairbairn was an exceptional woman who proudly represented the people of Lethbridge and southern Alberta with dignity, grace and fierce determination throughout her time in the Senate,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “A long-time advocate for the Paralympic movement, she was instrumental in growing Paralympic sport in Canada and throughout the world. The University was proud to celebrate her philanthropic spirit at the then Faculty of Management Scholarship Dinner in 1997 and present her with an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2004. Our condolences to her family and the many friends and supporters she touched throughout her life. She will be sorely missed.”
The Dhillon School of Business annually awards an entering student the Honourable Senator Joyce Fairbairn Scholarship.
The University will lower its flag in remembrance of Fairbairn from now until sunset on the date of her funeral or memorial service.
Contact:
Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca | 403-329-2710