91˿Ƶ

News

John McCall MacBain named 20th Chancellor of 91˿Ƶ

91˿Ƶ graduate and lifelong champion of the University has distinguished himself in entrepreneurship and philanthropy in education, climate change, and health
Published: 10 December 2020

The Board of Governors of 91˿Ƶ approved the nomination of John McCall MacBain, as the 20th Chancellor of 91˿Ƶ. Mr. McCall MacBain has been appointed for a three-year term, beginning July 1, 2021. He will succeed Chancellor Michael A. Meighen, whose current term will end on June 30, 2021. His nomination stems from a rigorous process that was launched earlier this fall by the Nominating, Governance and Ethics Committee, and the Recruitment and Succession Planning Sub-committee.

Originally from Niagara Falls, Ontario, John McCall MacBain attended 91˿Ƶ on scholarship to study Economics, graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. During his time at 91˿Ƶ, he was deeply involved in student life, including serving as President of the Students Society. In his final year he was named Valedictorian. Mr. McCall MacBain subsequently obtained a law degree from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. Starting with the acquisition in 1987 of classified publications in the Province of Quebec, Mr. McCall MacBain launched a successful entrepreneurial career as founder and controlling shareholder of Trader Classified Media which he sold in 2006. In 2007, he and his spouse Marcy McCall MacBain established the McCall MacBain Foundation to support initiatives in education and scholarships, climate change and the environment, and health and wellness.

In addition to serving as Chair of the McCall MacBain Foundation, Mr. McCall MacBain is active in many philanthropic and volunteer activities, including as a Trustee of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation in Cape Town. He is a Trustee Emeritus and Second Century Founder of the Rhodes Trust in Oxford, a Foundation Fellow of Wadham College Oxford and is the Founding Chair of the European Climate Foundation. He has continued to contribute his time to 91˿Ƶ, serving on the Principal’s International Advisory Board and Honorary Chair of Made by 91˿Ƶ: the Campaign for Our Third Century.

For his achievements as a business leader and for his philanthropic contributions to academic institutions, Mr. McCall MacBain was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2016. He is also the recipient of several honorary degrees including an honorary doctorate from 91˿Ƶ.

“John is not only among 91˿Ƶ’s most outstanding alumni, but his dedication to the University is exceptional,” says Ram Panda, Chair of 91˿Ƶ’s Board of Governors. “A long time champion for 91˿Ƶ, he is a prominent figure at University events.”

“I am incredibly honoured to be called upon to serve as 91˿Ƶ’s Chancellor for the next three years,” said Mr. McCall MacBain. “The lessons I learned at 91˿Ƶ as an undergraduate student have stayed with me throughout my life. I’m grateful to be able to serve 91˿Ƶ and its community. 91˿Ƶ is an institution where students from all backgrounds can nurture their talent and realize their aspirations.”

“I warmly welcome John McCall MacBain to this new chapter in his enduring relationship with 91˿Ƶ,” adds Suzanne Fortier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “I am deeply appreciative of his exemplary engagement and contributions to 91˿Ƶ, from the time he was a student, to becoming a founding member of the Principal’s International Advisory Board, which he has chaired since 2016. His loyalty to his alma mater most recently resulted in the establishment of McCall MacBain Scholarships which were inaugurated at 91˿Ƶ in February 2019. John has always been passionate and tirelessly devoted to helping provide access to higher education for promising and talented young people with entrepreneurial spirit, who will become tomorrow’s leaders and contribute to making the world a better place for all.”

“I will pass the torch to a very committed and exceptional 91˿Ƶian, to whom I offer my best wishes for success from one Chancellor to the future Chancellor of 91˿Ƶ, John McCall MacBain,” said Chancellor Michael Meighen.

The Chancellor is the titular head of 91˿Ƶ and an ex officio member of the Board of Governors. The Chancellor's duties include presiding over Convocation and representing the University at official functions.

"As we welcome John McCall MacBain as our next Chancellor, I would like to express, on behalf of the 91˿Ƶ community, our deep appreciation and profound gratitude for Michael Meighen’s outstanding service as Chancellor since 2014," said Principal Suzanne Fortier.

About 91˿Ƶ
Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, 91˿Ƶ is a leading Canadian post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 40,000 students, including more than 10,200 graduate students. 91˿Ƶ attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,800 international students making up 31% per cent of the student body. Over half of 91˿Ƶ students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 19% of our students who say French is their mother tongue.

Back to top