McTaggart-Cowan, Patrick Duncan

ENCAENIA, MAY, 1976
PATRICK DUNCAN MCTAGGART-COWAN
to be Doctor of Science

Most of us discover that the biblical three score and ten years provide barely enough time and opportunity to become marginally versed in one -- or at the most two -- fields of endeavour. The gentleman whom we now honour enjoys the distinction of having achieved a high level of expertise in several such areas.

Born of that sturdy stock which OId World Edinburgh provides, P.D. McTaggart-Cowan accepted the challenge of immigrant status in New World Canada at the tender age of one year. His triumph was complete and we remain in his debt.

Raised in Vancouver, he received First Class Honours in Mathematics and Physics at the University of British Columbia in 1933, where he instructed briefly before proceeding to Oxford University as a British Columbia Rhodes Scholar in 1934. He graduated from that institution in 1936.

His student days behind him, P.D. McTaggart-Cowan turned to what was to be his consuming interest, if not quite his entire life's work. For almost thirty years, he affiliated himself with British and Canadian organizations devoted to the study and development of the science of meteorology. There can be no question that he gave significant leadership and it follows naturally that, for a number of years, he served with distinction as Director of the Meteorological Service of Canada.

However, P.D. McTaggart-Cowan has rarely been satisfied with the comforts of the status quo; his fertile intelligence requires the stimulus of change and challenge. The year 1963 brought the necessary opportunity; he accepted the Presidency of Simon Fraser University and spent five exciting years at that institution. Again, in 1968, the siren call of new horizons lead him to the Executive Directorship of the Science Council of Canada, where he served energetically and effectively until his retirement one year ago. But the temptation of new challenge was to lure him once more; from 1970 to 1973, he rose to the defence of the Canadian environment to serve as the Director of the Task Force for the Arrow Oil cleanup. Sharp challenge was offered and met; achievement was significant.

Positions of responsibility, honours and awards have been heaped upon Dr. McTaggart-Cowan. The recipient of three British and Canadian medals, and of awards granted by prestigious British and American scientific societies, he has served as President of the Canadian and British Royal Meteorological Societies and is a Fellow of three other such organizations. In 1965, his adopted province named him British Columbian of the Year. He fills his idle moments with skiing, golf and gardening.

Scholar, instructor, meteorologist, university president, scientist, environmentalist, distinguished Fellow and recipient of a host of honours, Dr. McTaggart-Cowan has made a preeminent contribution to many areas of Canadian and international life. In recognition of his outstanding merit, many of our sister universities have bestowed upon him their highest honour. Today, the University of New Brunswick is privileged to join this distinguished company and warmly welcomes its most recent alumnus.

Praeses admittit Patricium Duncan McTaggart-Cowan honoris causa ad gradum Doctoris in Scientia.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 2