Peter George (professor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter George
CM, O.Ont
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| 6th President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University | |
| In office July 1, 1995 – June 30, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Geraldine A. Kenney-Wallace |
| Succeeded by | Patrick Deane |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 12, 1941 Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | April 27, 2017 (aged 75) |
| Spouses | Gwendolyn Scharf (?-1997) Allison Barrett (1998-2017) |
| Alma mater | University of Toronto |
| Occupation | Academic administration |
| Profession | Economist |
Peter James George (September 12, 1941 – April 27, 2017) was a Canadian economist and university leader. He was known for being the President and Vice-Chancellor of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He held this important role for 15 years, from 1995 until he retired in 2010.
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Leading McMaster University
Peter George was born in Toronto, Ontario. He studied at the University of Toronto, where he earned three degrees. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1962, his Master of Arts in 1963, and his Ph.D. in 1967.
He started working at McMaster University in 1965 as a lecturer. He quickly moved up, becoming a professor of economics in 1980. He also served as the Dean of Social Sciences from 1980 to 1989.
In 1995, Peter George became the President of McMaster University. He led the university for three terms, each lasting five years. He retired on June 30, 2010.
Other Important Roles
Besides his work at McMaster, Peter George held other significant positions. From 1991 to 1995, he was the president of the Council of Ontario Universities. This group represents all the universities in Ontario.
He was also a trustee for the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. A trustee helps guide and oversee how a university is run. He also led the Hamilton chapter of the United Way, a charity organization.
In 2007, he was named an honorary Lieutenant Colonel for a Canadian Forces reserve unit in Hamilton.
Awards and Recognition
Peter George received two major awards for his contributions to Canada and Ontario.
Order of Canada
In 1999, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honours a Canadian citizen can receive. It recognizes people who have made a big difference in their field or for their country.
Order of Ontario
In 2007, Peter George was also made a Member of the Order of Ontario. This award recognizes people who have shown outstanding achievement in Ontario.
Personal Life
Peter George's first wife, Gwendolyn Scharf, passed away in 1997. He later married Allison Barrett in 1998. In 2008, they adopted a daughter from China.
Peter George passed away on April 27, 2017, after an illness.
