2009 Saint John Convocation
Irving, Arthur L.
Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.)
Orator: Maier, Sarah E.
Citation:
CONVOCATION, OCTOBER, 2009
ARTHUR L. IRVING
to be Doctor of Letters
Arthur Irving grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick and attended Acadia University before joining Irving Oil in 1953. Since becoming President of the company in 1972, Arthur Irving has developed Irving Oil into markets in New England and Eastern Quebec and into the number one market share leader throughout the North East.
Irving Oil's refinery in Saint John is Canada's largest and has earned the reputation as a pacesetter. The refinery has carried out upgrades to increase production flexibility; shift production from heavier to lighter, more environmentally•friendly transportation fuels; and to further enhance industry• leading environmental performance. The refinery produces fuels that are years ahead of environmental regulations.
Arthur Irving's commitment to the environment extends outside his corporate interests and initiatives. An avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, his accomplishments include canoeing many rivers of the high Arctic, and more than 30 years of service on the Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited, two of those as President. Under his Presidency, many milestones were reached including the 1986 signing of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
In 1996 Arthur Irving became Chancellor of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. His innovation and dedication to education extend beyond his leadership role as Chancellor. In the fall of 2002, the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens were officially dedicated and turned over to Acadia University. A centre of excellence for the study of the natural environment, this gift from the Irving family fulfills Arthur Irving's vision of creating a place for students, faculty, staff and the community to meet and work in a natural setting. It is a research and teaching centre of the highest standards concentrating its studies on the ecology and native flora and fauna of the Northeast.
Arthur Irving continues as Chairman of Irving Oil, balancing a strong passion for customer service and sales, and the development of new markets with a continuing commitment to his family, community, education and the environment.
ARTHUR L. IRVING
to be Doctor of Letters
Arthur Irving grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick and attended Acadia University before joining Irving Oil in 1953. Since becoming President of the company in 1972, Arthur Irving has developed Irving Oil into markets in New England and Eastern Quebec and into the number one market share leader throughout the North East.
Irving Oil's refinery in Saint John is Canada's largest and has earned the reputation as a pacesetter. The refinery has carried out upgrades to increase production flexibility; shift production from heavier to lighter, more environmentally•friendly transportation fuels; and to further enhance industry• leading environmental performance. The refinery produces fuels that are years ahead of environmental regulations.
Arthur Irving's commitment to the environment extends outside his corporate interests and initiatives. An avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, his accomplishments include canoeing many rivers of the high Arctic, and more than 30 years of service on the Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited, two of those as President. Under his Presidency, many milestones were reached including the 1986 signing of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
In 1996 Arthur Irving became Chancellor of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. His innovation and dedication to education extend beyond his leadership role as Chancellor. In the fall of 2002, the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens were officially dedicated and turned over to Acadia University. A centre of excellence for the study of the natural environment, this gift from the Irving family fulfills Arthur Irving's vision of creating a place for students, faculty, staff and the community to meet and work in a natural setting. It is a research and teaching centre of the highest standards concentrating its studies on the ecology and native flora and fauna of the Northeast.
Arthur Irving continues as Chairman of Irving Oil, balancing a strong passion for customer service and sales, and the development of new markets with a continuing commitment to his family, community, education and the environment.
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