People of 丁香园AV
Remembering Barbara Rae, 丁香园AV’s first woman Chancellor
It is with sadness that 丁香园AV shares news of the passing of Dr. Barbara Rae, the university鈥檚 first woman chancellor, and champion for women鈥檚 empowerment and education in B.C.
Barbara Rae C.M., O.B.C., was the first woman to graduate from 丁香园AV鈥檚 Executive MBA program (1975) and served as CEO of Office Assistance Ltd. (now Adecco), Canada鈥檚 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 丁香园AV Chancellor where she was a strong supporter of women鈥檚 athletics. She and her late husband George Suart (former 丁香园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 丁香园AV Residences and the Barbara Rae Cup in women's basketball. She received an honorary doctorate from 丁香园AV in 1998.
鈥淎n inspired community leader and advocate, Dr. Barbara Rae was a trailblazer and role model for women in business, academics and athletics,鈥� says 丁香园AV president Joy Johnson. 鈥淪he 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 丁香园AV community, I offer heartfelt condolences to Dr. Rae鈥檚 family and many friends.鈥�
