Mr. Rovinescu (LLB 1980) truly cares about our institution and its future. When he was a counselor, he always encouraged students to take risks and give back to the community. Now that he has been named Honorary Chair of the reTHINK Campaign, he will continue to nurture the next generation of change-makers and support transformative research in healthcare, cybersecurity, refugee rights, racism, sustainability, and the environment.
“The purpose of this campaign is to build a prosperous future for our institution and its entire community, and to ensure its impact on the national and international levels,” he explains. The cutting-edge capabilities that the University of Ottawa is developing in areas such as sustainability, biotechnology, and health innovation provide opportunities for innovative partnerships that will transform the lives of citizens in Canada and around the world. Thanks to the investments of our generous donors, we will be able to achieve our ambitions. »
Determined and ambitious, this first generation of Canadians earned a DEC from McGill University in 1974, before earning a degree in civil law from the University of Montreal in 1978 and in public law from the University of Ottawa in 1980.
After 20 years of success in corporate law in both Canada and the UK, he established himself as a leader in the business world for two decades, notably serving as CEO of Air Canada, the country’s largest airline. His pioneering leadership, recognized by numerous publications and organizations, has earned him the Order of Canada. The lawyer has received honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Ottawa and at least five other institutions. He is also a member of the board of directors of BCE inc. and Scotiabank, as well as a senior advisor at Brookfield Asset Management.
True philanthropists, Mr. Rovinescu and his wife, Eileen, contribute to many charities, including funding University of Ottawa merit scholarships for new Canadians and those working to build communities.
Campaign chair Perry Dilley (LLB 1990), who worked closely with former honorary chair Alex Trebek, maintains that Mr. Rovinescu will assist the university in the final phase of this one-year, $500 million campaign.
“I have no doubt that our donors across the country will heed the call and continue to make a difference to our great community. I look forward to working with Klein to make this unprecedented campaign a resounding success.”
The university’s dean, Jack Fremont, welcomed the new honorary chair. “Whether as an advisor or as a distinguished alumnus, Calen has brought so much to our institution. We would like to thank him for the leadership he will exercise as Honorary President and Ambassador of the University of Ottawa.
“Food trailblazer. Passionate troublemaker. Coffee fanatic. General analyst. Certified creator. Lifelong music expert. Alcohol specialist.”