Graduation Address

"Downey’s Presidency of UNB Applauded at 161st Encaenia" Daily Gleaner (25 May 1990): 4. (UA Case 67, Box 2)

For the chancellor, the 161st spring convocation was obviously one of a mix of joy and sorrow—happiness for the 1,166 students who earned undergraduate or post-graduate degrees, but sadness in that it was another last for Dr. Downey and his "10 years of quite remarkable achievement."

For those not familiar with the university hierarchy, explained Lady Aitken, the positions of chancellor and president are "two totally different species."

"As chancellor, I am merely the icing on top of what is a pretty large cake. I get all the glory while the president does the real work."

She said her duties include presiding over ceremonies, cutting ribbons and other functions in which "everyone is extremely nice to me."

Qualities Required
Being president "is very different" and requires someone with a myriad of qualities, including the ability to act as administrator, diplomat, financial wizard, historian, orator, writer and teacher. Add on a colossal capacity for work and a sure touch with personal relationships and you have someone with the qualifications for president, said Lady Aitken.

"We were very, very fortunate 10 years ago when Dr. Downey came to UNB to have captured a president who possesses all these qualities and many more," she said.

The university chancellor said the retiring president, who officially steps down at the end of October, devoted his entire life to UNB during his two terms as president and the result was "this last decade (has been) recognized as one of the most active and successful in the history of the university."

When Dr. Downey joined UNB in 1980, it, like many universities, faced difficult times financially and in other ways and Lady Aitken said his goal was to "rally the true spirit of the university" and have faculty, staff and students all working together to achieve "the sense of community so essential to an institution like this."

Coming from "outside" made his job all the harder, she said, because New Brunswickers "are not an easy lot" and take their time in accepting those from outside the province. Dr. Downey’s style, wit and sense of purpose allowed him to quickly win over his colleagues, said Lady Aitken.

Having rallied the "team," she said, he then began planning for the future, including the "incredibly optimistic idea" of launching a major fundraising campaign at a time when the country was in the midst of a recession.

Campaign Recalled
The objective of the Third Century Fund, launched in 1982, was $10 million over five years and Lady Aitken said the "sensational" work of alumni, faculty, students and friends of the university resulted in $12.5 million being raised to the benefit of academic programs and capital projects on both the Fredericton and Saint John campuses.

That money, said Lady Aitken, enabled UNB to "maintain a level of excellence" that is borne out by the reputation of the university and its graduates who she said are held in high regard.

Noting that UNB is regarded as "the oldest institution of high learning in Canada," she said Dr. Downey has recognized the pride many feel for the institution and "has been careful to respect and guard our great traditions."

She also praised him for the care and encouragement shown towards the smaller and less developed Saint John campus and Lady Aitken said his skill in diplomacy "has been crucial in keeping the two campuses in harmony."

While recognizing that convocation day is mainly for the graduates, she asked their indulgence in concentrating her remarks on Dr. Downey’s accomplishments, and suggested that students also have "reason to be grateful to him for the enhanced facilities and that 'something extra' he added to the university."

"He has indeed been a man for all season," said Lady Aitken.

The convocation speaker also praised the students for their accomplishments and said the university will follow their careers with pride. She offered a special welcome to parents and families, whom Lady Aitken said are an essential element in helping students to successfully complete their journey toward obtaining a degree.

Proud Moment
As for being awarded an honorary degree, she told the packed Aitken Centre audience that she was both proud and humbled by the experience.

"It is probably the proudest moment of my life," said Lady Aitken. "But I feel very humbled because I feel that I’ve done nothing to deserve it."

She did take pride in one accomplishment—last year she was made an honorary member of the UNB nursing alumni and this year she received an honorary doctor of laws "so I think from a nurse to a doctor in six months must be a record."

While she downplayed her credentials, Lady Aitken said her two fellow honorary degree recipients had "both more than earned" theirs.

"I do speak for all three of us when I say how good it feels to be here today to receive our degrees from this great university," she said.