Mr. Chancellor, I have the honor to present to you Paul Kefalas, an accomplished engineer and businessman. Born in Greece in 1945, Mr. Kefalas settled permanently in Canada in 1969. He holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from Concordia University. He is currently president and chief executive officer of Asea Brown Boveri Inc., Canada (ABB).
Après un bref séjour à Bell Canada (1974-1975) comme ingénieur, puis à la Générale électrique comme ingénieur de projets (1975-1981), il entre en 1984 dans l'une des sociétés dont la fusion allait former ABB, à ce même titre. A la création d'ABB en 1988, il est nommé directeur général et, l'année suivante, vice-président et directeur général de la division Systèmes de puissance. En 1992, il devient vice-président exécutif d'ABB au Canada et président du groupe Production d'énergie. P.D.G. de l'entreprise depuis 1994, il entend poursuivre les efforts déployés par ABB pour être à l'écoute de la clientèle, satisfaire ses attentes et assurer la qualité à tous les niveaux de l'entreprise.
A personal reflection, if I may. As a keen young engineer doing installation and test of high tension switchgear in paper mills in Québec, many years ago,... you understand that in recollection it seems like yesterday, I had occasion to install Brown Boveri relays and controllers. I recall being much impressed by the evident thoroughness of engineering and precision and quality in the manufacturing of these products. I do believe that this standard continues to the present day.
On a more personal level, Mr. Kefalas is actively involved in the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada and in the promotion of employment access for people with handicaps. He and his wife Gail Rose Kefalas have two sons, Theodore and Andrew.
The granting of an honorary degree is an act which serves to provide the community with an example of achievement against which as professional men and women, we measure ourselves. It is a concrete illustration to our graduates of how, with directed effort and dedication, with adherence to principle and ambition to serve, they too can conduct their lives.
This University takes special care in choosing members of a society for this honor. Paul Kefalas is indeed a role model for us all. We look forward to his continuing success and an opportunity to work with him for the betterment of our profession and its impact on our society.
Mr. Chancellor, it is my privilege and a personal pleasure to present to you, on behalf of Senate and by the authority of the Board of Governors, Paul Kefalas, so that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
