THUNDER BAY, ON - November 16, 2009 - Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University, in conjunction with the Chancellor Electoral Board, is pleased to announce that Arthur V. Mauro, prominent Canadian lawyer and businessman, has accepted the position of Chancellor of Lakehead University. Dr. Mauro starts a renewable three-year term on January 1, 2010. Dr. Mauro succeeds Dr. Lorne Everett who served as Chancellor from 2000 to 2009.

On behalf of the University, Dr. Gilbert wishes to thank Dr. Lorne Everett for his years of service to Lakehead University, throughout which he performed his duties with enthusiasm, humour, and grace. Dr. Everett will be missed, but being a Thunder Bay son, it is hoped and expected that he will continue to take an active part in Lakehead functions as frequently as his busy schedule allows.

The Chancellor's primary responsibilities include building bridges between the University and stakeholder groups as well as the broader publics locally, nationally, and internationally;  fostering the mission, vision, and values of Lakehead; and undertaking specific duties such as conferring degrees at Convocation, representing Lakehead University on special occasions, and participating in select initiatives to promote the University.

Dr. Mauro, OC, OM, was born on February 15, 1927  in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He studied law at the University of Manitoba  and was called to the Bar of Manitoba in 1953. Until 1969 he practiced law, specializing in transportation and communication law. Dr. Mauro has had an illustrious career. In 1967, he was appointed Chairman of the Royal Commission on Northern Transportation and in 1969 became a senior executive with Great Northern Capital Corporation. From 1972 to 1976, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Transair Limited, and joined the Investors Group in 1976 becoming its President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman. From 1991-2000 he was Chancellor of the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Mauro has been an active supporter of the University of Manitoba since his student days there. In September 2001, Dr. Mauro donated one million dollars to St. Paul's College at the University of Manitoba to establish the Arthur V. Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice. 

In 1987, Dr. Mauro was made a Member of the Order of Canada and later promoted to Officer in 1992. He received an Honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Lakehead University in 1997.  In 2004, he was awarded the Order of Manitoba.  At present, Dr. Mauro is Chair of the Winnipeg Airport Authority. 

Dr. Gilbert also wishes to acknowledge the participation of members of the Chancellor Electoral Board in conducting this search. The University Chancellor is an uniquely important role that requires a special individual with many talents to help bring the University's vision forward, and the Board has done an excellent job in selecting Dr. Mauro.