“This campaign is about a prosperous future for our University, its community, and the impact it has in many ways in Canada and around the world,” he says. “The University’s emerging leadership in areas such as sustainability, biotech and health innovation is an outstanding opportunity for creative partnerships that will transform lives in Canada and globally. The generous investments made by donors will drive these ambitions forward.”
A determined and ambitious first-generation Canadian, Calin Rovinescu first received a DEC from McGill University in 1974 before earning a degree in civil law from the University of Montreal in 1978 and in common law from the University of Ottawa in 1980.
He then embarked on a distinguished 20-year career in corporate law in Canada and the United Kingdom, before becoming a leader in the broader business world for the next two decades, eventually becoming President & CEO of Air Canada, the country’s largest airline. He was recognized for business leadership by numerous publications and organizations and was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Ottawa and five other institutions. He currently sits on the boards of BCE Inc. and Scotiabank and is a senior advisor with Brookfield Asset Management.
Mr. Rovinescu and his wife, Elaine, are thoughtful and generous philanthropists, supporting scholarships at the University of Ottawa for new Canadians and community builders, as well as other charitable organizations.
Campaign chair Perry Dellelce, (LLB ‘90) who worked closely with Alex Trebek, the former Honorary Campaign Chair, says Mr. Rovinescu will help the University in the home stretch of the $500 million campaign.
“I’m confident that our donors from coast to coast to coast will continue to make a big difference to the lives of our students, researchers, and to our community. I look forward to working with Calin toward the success of this unprecedented campaign for uOttawa.”
University President Jacques Frémont welcomed Mr. Rovinescu in his new role. “Calin has contributed so much to the University, as Chancellor and as one of our most distinguished graduates. We are grateful for his leadership as honorary chair and ambassador for uOttawa.”