Mr. Chancellor, I present to you J. Gerald Hagey, B.A., LL.D., President of the University of Waterloo.
In 1953 Dr. Hagey left an active business career to become President of Waterloo College. His early involvement in the academic world led him to consider the possibility of a different approach to University Education, and, in particular, to Engineering education. He and his many interested colleagues in the business community dreamed of coupling on campus courses with productive industrial work assignments to provide a continuing educational experience. This idea, new to Canada, was not exactly greeted with wholehearted enthusiasm on the Canadian Academic scene. It is to Dr. Hagey's special credit that he was able to muster substantial community support and to gather about him a small group of dedicated academics prepared to work toward the development of an active learning environment within a framework of scholarly excellence.
In 1957 the University of Waterloo was founded, with Dr. Hagey as its first President.
The present eminence of his University is proof of the soundness of his early plans, and of the high quality of his personal leadership.
In honouring Dr. Hagey, we recognize his special contribution to the development of his University, and we salute that University over which he so ably presides.
Mr. Chancellor, I am proud to present J. Gerald Hagey, on behalf of the University Council, and by authority of the Board of Governors, that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
* deceased
