Martin, George William

ENCAENIA, MAY, 1990
GEORGE WILLIAM MARTIN
to be Doctor of Laws

For fifteen years, Monsignor George Martin has presided over St. Thomas University, UNB's sister university on this campus. Under his wise counsel, his institution has thrived, the student body has expanded, and innovative programs have been introduced such as in Native Studies and gerontology. For us at UNB, his presidency has been characterized by the warmest of relationships between the two universities. He did not invent what he calls "the philosophy of shared facilities" — that is, the idea that two universities might share a single campus -- but he has been firm in his determination that it work and in the end he has been the surest guarantor of its success.

In a way, the idea of sharing physical space goes to the heart of what George Martin has always stood for. If you enter his office today, you will see proudly displayed a photograph of Father Martin and the Dalai Lama, upon whom St. Thomas bestowed an honorary degree, and among the many images the picture evokes is the image of a world shared by people of different cultures and religions, yet bound by their common humanity. It is a telling statement of George Martin's beliefs and it explains at least in part St. Thomas's growing role in the field of human rights and its vigorous social outreach.

George Martin's part in all this has seemed destined from childhood. He was born in Chatham and was educated there right through to the completion of his BA, awarded magna cum laude by St. Thomas in 1945. He studied theology at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax, and immediately upon entering the priesthood, he returned to Chatham to teach in St. Thomas College High School. With only brief absences to develop his teaching and second language skills, he has served St. Thomas ever since as both a high school and university-level teacher, as registrar of the University when it moved from Chatham to Fredericton, as secretary of the Board of Governors, and as Executive Vice-President and President. Within the Church, he was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Saint John in 1975, and in 1985, Pope John Paul II appointed him Prelate of Honor with the title Monsignor.

He wears the honors lightly. Some may only know him as a quiet and unprepossessing figure who walks about campus in winter wearing a little European-style peaked cloth cap. Those who know him well speak of a warm and gregarious human being who loves to sing and who used to organize the student glee club and impromptu after dinner sing-songs. He took delight in gathering people round the piano to join in the old-fashioned songs of Stephen Foster or the more popular favorites from broadway shows. George Martin's rich baritone soared above all others and kept the less gifted in tune.

George Martin now approaches retirement. There will be more time to read, which he loves, and less of the burden of service which he has always taken so seriously. In honoring him today, we at UNB say simply that whatever our own shortcomings in upholding the philosophy of shared facilities, we are proud to have shared the warmth of George Martin's friendship, the inspiration of his example, and the benefit of his profound belief that we are all God's children.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2