Honorary degree citation - Charles Bronfman

By: Christopher A. Rose, June 1992

Mr. Chancellor, I have the honour to present to you Charles Bronfman, an outstanding businessman, community leader and philanthropist. Mr. Bronfman has earned the respect of the entire community for his achievements and dedication during several decades of service.

Né à Montréal, M. Bronfman a fait ses études à la Selwyn House School au Trinity College à Port Hope, en Ontario et, enfin, à l'Université McGill.

Mr. Bronfman joined the Seagram Company Limited in 1951 and became Director and Vice-President in 1958. In 1971, he moved into the position of Executive Vice-President and became President in 1975. He is currently Chair of the Executive Committee and Co-Chair of the Seagram Company Limited. He is, in addition, a Director of E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company and of Power Corporation of Canada.

His service to the community is demonstrated by his involvement in numerous philanthropic and community endeavours. He is a Director of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, Chair of the CRB Foundation, Honorary Chair of Canada Israel Securities Limited, and Honorary President of the United Israel Appeal of Canada. As Chairman of the Montréal Expos Baseball organization, Mr. Bronfman gave tirelessly of his time and energy helping to create a "major league image" for the city of Montréal.

En 1981, Charles Bronfman est nommé Officier de l'Ordre du Canada. Il a reçu un doctorat honoris causa en philosophie de la Hebrew University et un doctorat honoris causa en droit de l'Université McGill.

Mr. Chancellor, it is a privilege and a real honour for me to present to you, on behalf of the Senate and by the authority of the Board of Governors, Charles Bronfman, that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.