Cohen, Maxwell

ENCAENIA, MAY, 1961
MAXWELL COHEN
to be Doctor of Laws

Severally we must all know Maxwell Cohen. If we fail to recognize him as Professor, we have heard him as radio commentator, watched him as television panellist, read him as Foreign Editor in Saturday Night, or perhaps have listened to him discoursing, captive lecturer to captivated audience, with informed and articulate ease on any one of a wide range of topics, from Popular Education to International Law.

As you will be his audience this afternoon, it is superfluous for me to praise his mercurial intellect when it will shortly be its own panegyrist.

But I will hazard a guess that if it be Cohen the jurist who addresses you, he will be not dry but dramatic; if Cohen the Professor, not boring but brilliant; if Cohen the Commentator not prosy but prophetic; if Cohen the Panellist, not coy but challenging; if Cohen on Foreign Affairs, not cautious but contagious (for he is then likely to speak on the subject of his proudest labours, the United Nations, and his enthusiasm will be catching).

But if it be just Maxwell Cohen himself, then whatever his theme, and however seasoned with Cohen humour, salted with Cohen wit, or (to sound a kindred note) pungent with Cohen puns, its message, like its author, is certain to be memorable.

From:
Cattley, Robert E.D. Honoris causa: the effervescences of a university orator. Fredericton: UNB Associated Alumnae, 1968.