Honorary degree citation - Donald C. Savage*
By: Katherine Waters, June 1996
Mr. Chancellor, I have the honour to present to you, Donald Savage, an outstanding public administrator and university educator, whose exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence are a source of inspiration to all who are associated with him.
Dr. Savage is currently executive director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT). He was appointed in 1973, and will be retiring at the end of the next academic year. In this position, Dr. Savage has tirelessly submitted briefs on issues in Canadian higher education, has lobbied governments, has drafted statements, model clauses, and guides on responsible university policies. He has devoted countless hours at numerous universities across the country to resolving conflicts in a civilized and honorable manner. His contribution has been recognized by his academic colleagues who have continued to reappoint him over an extraordinary period of time to represent their profession in Canada and abroad with diplomacy, decisiveness and integrity.
Auteur prolifique d'ouvrages sur l'enseignement supérieur au Canada, il a récemment publié des ouvrages sur la négociation collective, la liberté universitaire, les indices de rendement, la fraude et l'inconduite dans la recherche universitaire. Il a copublié les résultats d'études sur les formalités contractuelles de l'Université de Colombie-Britannique et de l'Université de Waterloo. II est aussi conseiller auprès de l'UNESCO en vue de l'élaboration d'une déclaration internationale des droits du personnel enseignent universitaire.
Dr. Savage received his BA and the Lieutenant-Governor's Silver Medal for History from McGill University (1954) and a PhD from the University of London (1958). He has taught at Waterloo College (now Wilfrid Laurier University, (1958-60), Bedford College of the University of London (1960-61), and Loyola College (now Concordia University, 1961-70). While at Loyola, Dr. Savage was Associate Professor of History, Director of the Centre for African Studies (1967-70), director of orientation for the East and Central Africa Program of CUSO (1966-70), and president of the Loyola Faculty Association (1970).
Spécialiste de l'histoire de l'Afrique, il est coauteur de Government and Labour in Kenya 1895-1963 et auteur de nombreux articles sur l'Afrique orientale. Il a été directeur du Canadian Journal of African Studies (1967-1970) et secrétaire-trésorier de l'Association canadienne des études africaines (1986-1992).
Dr. Savage's career of service to Canada's university profession has enhanced the entire university community, because his approach has been dialogic and respectful of differences and complexities. He has made us, as faculty, as administrators, and as public servants think about the professional and social implications of what we do.
Mr. Chancellor, it is a privilege and honor for me to present to you, on behalf of the Senate and by the authority of the Board of Governors, Donald Savage, that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
* deceased
