Portrait Unveiled

Chancellor Harvey Secter’s contributions to the community and his distinguished career were celebrated this week at a special portrait unveiling ceremony held in Robson Hall, Faculty of Law.

“He has performed many roles throughout his life: scholar, teacher, business leader, and philanthropist. As Chancellor, he has been a valued advisor and counselor. His ability to speak with passion and conviction about education and his affection for this University in particular is made repeatedly clear to everyone who gets to know him. We are very proud to have him here, of all the roles he has performed, surely the role Chancellor is one he was born to do,” said Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor.

The enthusiastic crowd attending the event included Chancellor Secter’s wife Sandra, their two children Beth and Joel, along with colleagues, friends, and honorary degree recipients John Harvard and Terry Sargeant.

In addition to President Barnard, the Chancellor was also recognized for his contributions to the community by Janice Lederman, Chair of the Board of Governors and Jeff Leclerc, University Secretary.

“Mr. Secter’s ability to be the voice of reason and wisdom in any conversation that he engages really stands out in terms of his contribution to the institution,” Ms. Lederman said. “Harvey is a leader, a visionary; he has served us remarkably well. He has shown us how truly invaluable the role of the Chancellor can be to the effective governance of the institution, and has raised the bar.”

Following the unveiling of the portrait, Chancellor Secter addressed the crowd with a quote from Carlos Castaneda’s book, the Teachings of Don Juan, “‘All paths are the same. They lead nowhere. … The only question is: Does this path have heart?’ well, I believe it’s the people you meet and share your journey with, that provide the heart on your path, and I’m honoured to look around this room and see so many whom I’ve shared so much of my experience. This place and this University in this last quarter of a century have really become part of who I am. I look around the room and see my former instructors, people who subsequently became my colleagues, I see students here from my time as a dean. Thank you for sharing this journey with me and for making this a very special occasion.”

Chancellor Secter also presented Dr. Lorna A. Turnbull, dean of the Faculty of Law, with a very special memento. He donated a collection of a very rare set of Sir William Blackstone Commentaries on the Laws of England (1765-1769) to the E.K. Williams Law Library.

The oil painting by artist Andrew Valko, will be on display in the Elizabeth Dafoe library alongside the University’s collection of portraits of 12 former Chancellors, an honoured tradition in the 136 year history of University of Manitoba.

Sean Moore