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People of AV
Remembering Barbara Rae, AV’s first woman Chancellor
It is with sadness that AV shares news of the passing of Dr. Barbara Rae, the university’s first woman chancellor, and champion for women’s empowerment and education in B.C.
Barbara Rae C.M., O.B.C., was the first woman to graduate from AV’s Executive MBA program (1975) and served as CEO of Office Assistance Ltd. (now Adecco), Canada’s first temporary staffing agency. She is credited with creating a whole new industry, and countless employment opportunities, especially for women. She successfully advocated for flexible work arrangements and maternity leave so women could blend family responsibilities with work outside the home.
From 1987 to 1993 Dr. Rae served as AV Chancellor where she was a strong supporter of women’s athletics. She and her late husband George Suart (former AV VP, Administration) established the Barbara Rae and George Suart Athletic Award in Women's Basketball Endowment.
She also championed the "It's Her Game" campaign which aimed to raise $1 million towards scholarships for women student athletes. Among her many awards and honours, is the naming of the Barbara Rae Tower in AV Residences and the Barbara Rae Cup in women's basketball. She received an honorary doctorate from AV in 1998.
“An inspired community leader and advocate, Dr. Barbara Rae was a trailblazer and role model for women in business, academics and athletics,” says AV president Joy Johnson. “She helped create numerous opportunities for women in these fields and we are so very grateful for her decades of service to the university. On behalf of the AV community, I offer heartfelt condolences to Dr. Rae’s family and many friends.”