Following in the inaugural footsteps of Robertson Davies, and in the presence of dignitaries including Chancellor Wes Hall, President Melanie Woodin, Massey College Visitor and former President of the University of Toronto Robert Prichard, Dr. Janice Stein, and General Romeo Dallaire, Massey College in the University of Toronto yesterday officially installed its seventh Principal: Dr. James Orbinski, OC OOnt MSC.
Internationally recognized humanitarian and global health pioneer James Orbinski accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for Médecins Sans Frontiers in 1999, and received the Meritorious Service Award in 1998 for his work with MSF in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. Dr. Orbinski founded the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, and Dignitas International. His exemplary front-line work throughout global crisis zones has been documented in the award-winning film Triage and the best-selling book An Imperfect Offering.
“Principal Orbinski’s extraordinary track record of leadership, unwavering commitment to humanitarian values, and deep intellectual curiosity reflect the ethos of our institution,” said Massey College Chair Akwasi Owusu-Bempah.
After pledging his oath to Massey College, Principal Orbinski (professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health) said, “We do not have answers fixed in stone, but we do have a tried and true method to guide us. Massey College is ready to do what Massey does best: cultivate learning, leadership and civility for the public good, on issues of Contemporary Concern. This North Star has made Massey College truly shine in its history. And it will make Massey College glow in the future. I am proud to be its principal.”
