The Fund was created in 2016 to honour Allan Rock at the completion of his second term as President of the University of Ottawa. Since that time, it has supported students at the University of Ottawa by providing scholarships to students in need.
On Professor Rock’s initiative, the objectives of the Fund have been modified to support our efforts to be more inclusive while enhancing the academic experience of students from Black communities enrolled in the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section. This change complements the Common Law Section’s efforts to support law students from Black communities and is aligned with the University’s goal of addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
From now on, the Fund will support internships, fellowships, and mentorship programs for Common Law students from Black communities. It will also fund visiting professors who are members of a Black community and who will spend one or two terms at the Common Law Section.
“Promoting diversity and demonstrating true inclusion are goals of fundamental importance to our University and our Faculty,” said Rock. “I sincerely hope that these modest contributions will assist in achieving those goals.”
"The BLSA University of Ottawa Chapter is excited to see alumni and professors, such as Allan Rock, graciously support the academic advancement of Black law students at the University of Ottawa,” said Jaiscelle Aristorenas and Shadé Edwards, BLSA Co-Presidents.
“Action-oriented efforts to improve the academic experience of these students is a necessary stride towards closing the systemic gaps that students from historically excluded communities encounter while in pursuit of a post-secondary education. With this fund, BLSA will be able to continue promoting academic and professional opportunities for Black students."
Allan Rock, LLB '71, is a member of the Common Law Honour Society. In 2020, he was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contributions to the advancement of human rights and global humanitarian issues, and to the fields of law, politics and education.