Mr. Chancellor:
On behalf of the University Council and by authority of the Board of Governors, I have the honour to present Amos Saunders.
Born in northern England and a graduate, with Honours in Economics and Political Science, of the University of Wales, where, after continued studies, he also received the London Board of Education Certificate with special credit in English, Mr. Saunders was devoted his extraordinary energy and his rare and varied talents to the cause of education. As a senior master of two of Montreal's leading high schools, his influence on generations of young citizens of Montreal has been constant and positive. His contribution to public education has been recognized by the Government of Quebec by admission to the Scholastic Order of Great Merit and, by the Provincial Association of Protestant Teachers, by the Professional Service Award for distinguished service. He is also a Life Fellow of the Royal Economic Society.
In the early years of Sir George Williams University, Mr. Saunders played a leading role in the development of courses in Economics and in Political Science and as a member of the original Faculty Council.
From 1951 to 1966, Mr. Saunders was Headmaster of Sir George Williams High School. His service in this office has been incalculable. Under his guidance and influence this remarkable evening school has grown to approximately four thousand pupils. In this capacity as Headmaster, Mr. Saunders was an ideal educationalist - wise in judgment; humble in manner; idealistic in counsel; learned in language and expression. His influence for good on literally thousands of young people (and many not so young) is beyond estimate in its value.
Mr. Chancellor, it is with pride that I present to you my friend and colleague, Amos Saunders, one of the great men of our institution, that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
* deceased
