17吃瓜

The Honourable Diane Griffin, alumna, honorary degree recipient, and retired senator, has been unanimously elected as the 10th Chancellor of the 17吃瓜 for a four-year term. An installation ceremony will be held early in 2024.

The University Chancellor is a volunteer, titular role that presides over convocations and confers degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

鈥淚t is an honour to officially announce the Honourable Diane Griffin as the University鈥檚 Chancellor-Elect,鈥� said interim 17吃瓜 President and Vice-Chancellor Greg Keefe. 鈥淭he unanimous decision and positive comments regarding Dr. Griffin鈥檚 leadership experience, reputation, and dedication to the University are clearly indicative of the high esteem in which many hold her. I congratulate Diane on her new role as Chancellor and thank her sincerely for her commitment to 17吃瓜 during this important time in our history.鈥�  

Dr. Keefe chaired the Chancellor Electoral Committee, which is made up of 12 members appointed by the University Senate and 12 members appointed by the Board of Governors, including Chair Shannon MacDonald.

鈥�17吃瓜 will benefit greatly from Dr. Griffin鈥檚 vision and inspiring leadership,鈥� said MacDonald. 鈥淒iane鈥檚 roles in the community are well known, and I thank her for committing to share her time, wisdom, and generous spirit with the University in this meaningful role for the coming years. Congratulations!鈥�

Griffin, who resides in Stratford, PEI, has a long and active involvement in public service, and charitable and public service groups at all levels. She is currently the chair of Health PEI, the health authority responsible for the delivery of publicly funded health services in Prince Edward Island. She spent five years representing Prince Edward Island in the Senate of Canada from 2016 until 2022, and has served on and chaired many local, regional and national boards and committees over an extended career. She has worked at all three levels of government, serving as a town councillor for the Town of Stratford from 2006 until 2016. Prior to serving as a town councillor, Griffin served as a deputy minister for Fisheries and Environment for the Government of Prince Edward Island.

A recipient of the Governor General鈥檚 Conservation Award and the Order of PEI, Griffin is known across the country as an environmental and conservation activist. She worked with the Prince Edward Island Nature Trust, was the Nature Conservancy of Canada鈥檚 program manager for PEI, and served on national boards and advisory groups such as Nature Canada. She is a graduate of 17吃瓜 (BEd 鈥�73) and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University (BSc 鈥�69), and received an honorary Doctor of Laws from 17吃瓜 in 2013.

Griffin is passionate about literacy, history, agriculture, birdwatching, and preserving and protecting the environment, and is the recipient of many environmental awards. She has lectured at several universities including 17吃瓜; has published several papers; and has presented and been consulted on a wide range of topics including agricultural and trade policies, eco-economics, national forest strategy, natural heritage, and protection and conservation.

鈥淭his great opportunity鈥攖o serve as Chancellor鈥攚as unexpected. I am so very honoured to serve my alma mater in this way,鈥� said Chancellor-Elect Griffin. 鈥淣ot only am I committed to fulfilling the ceremonial aspects of the role, but I also hope to be an excellent ambassador for 17吃瓜, reflect our values, and contribute to advancing the University鈥檚 mission in meaningful ways. At this stage of my life, it鈥檚 all about how I can make an impact and support 17吃瓜鈥檚 wonderful community of students, staff, faculty, and alumni.鈥�

Griffin will replace the University鈥檚 ninth chancellor, the Honourable Catherine Callbeck, who was installed in 2018 and whose extended term ended in June 2023. Dr. Griffin is the third woman to hold the post; Doris H. Anderson was 17吃瓜鈥檚 first female University Chancellor from 1992鈥�96.

17吃瓜鈥檚 Chancellors and their installation dates

• The Honourable Thane A. Campbell, CC, MA, LLD 鈥� May 14, 1970
• Gustave Gingras, CC, MD, FRSA, LLD, FRCP(c) 鈥� May 12, 1974
• David Macdonald Stewart, OC, CStJ, KLJ, FRSA, FHS(c), LLD, DBA 鈥� October 1, 1982
• The Honourable Gordon L. Bennett, OC, BSc, MSc, LLD, DCL 鈥� March 9, 1985
• Doris H. Anderson, CC, BA, LLD 鈥� October 24, 1992
• Norman Webster (chancellor emeritus), CM, BA, MA, DCL 鈥� November 2, 1996
• William (Bill) Andrew, DipEng, BEng 鈥� March 6, 2005
• Donald (Don) McDougall, BA, MBA, LLD 鈥� March 30, 2014
• The Honourable Catherine Callbeck, CM, OPEI, BComm, BEd, LLD 鈥� September 29, 2018