For additional material on Downey's speeches, please refer to the following file:
File 10 - Commonplace book.
File 19 - Correspondence.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Title from content of series.
Materials related to speeches and addresses written and given by James Downey. Includes drafts and final versions of speeches, addresses, and toasts for different events, and remembrances for various persons. Also contains contextual information accumulated by Downey during the research and writing process (such as newspaper articles, photocopies of photographs, and ephemera).
Includes a drawing by Gerard Brender à Brandis titled “Winterton, Newfoundland.”
Series is arranged chronologically.
Although some files in Series 1 and 3 contain records related to James Downey's speeches, a decision was made by archivist to maintain original order and not move the noted item to Series 2. Further information about the files in question can be found in the general note of this series.
Donated by James Downey in 2019.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Materials related to speeches and addresses given by James Downey between the years 1980 and 1992. Includes drafts and final versions of speeches.
Titles of speeches are:
- “UNB Installation address” (October 16, 1980),
- “UNBSJ Awards ceremony” (November 4, 1980),
- “Special Convocation,” Kenya Technical Teachers College, Nairobi (December 3, 1980),
- “Sex & violence in eighteenth-Century hymns & sermons,” Humanities Association, St. John’s (April 3, 1981),
- “The third wave: ripple or breaker? Education in the eighties,” New Brunswick Teachers Association, St. Thomas University (May 7, 1981),
- “The perils of planning,” Atlantic Planners Institute, Fredericton (September 11, 1981),
- “The English professor as administrator,” Atlantic Universities Teachers of English, Fredericton (October 22, 1982),
- “Some thoughts on higher education in New Brunswick and UNB’s place in it,” Senior Public Service Managers, Province of New Brunswick (February 3, 1983),
- “A Freudian view of physical fitness,” College of New Brunswick Psychologists, UNB, Ottawa (April 13, 1983),
- “Academic freedom and freedom of the press,” Canadian Daily Newspaper Publishers Association, Algonquin Hotel, St. Andrews, New Brunswick (September 21, 1983),
- “When Jesus and Socrates meet,” Wilmot United Church, Fredericton (November 20, 1983),
- “The entrepreneurial spirit,” Tourism Management Education Conference, Saint John (November 18, 1983),
- “Financing higher education & research,” Financial Post Conference, Ottawa (March 13, 1985),
- “Don’t forget to smell the flowers,” Fredericton High School Graduation (June 20, 1985),
- “The role of universities in understanding the social impact of technology,” 14th Commonwealth Universities Congress, Perth, Australia (February 1988),
- “University autonomy: myth or reality?” Institute of Public Affairs, Canada, Fredericton (January 19, 1989),
- “Lord, it's hard to be humble,” St. Paul’s United Church (October 29, 1989),
- “Business & education in the nineties: charting a new course, Toronto (April 17, 1990),
- “Capacity of universities to change,” Queen’s University Council (May 11, 1990),
- “Distinguished citizens awards dinner,” Fredericton (February 18, 1990),
- “Catcher in the ivy,” Special Convocation, Memorial University of Newfoundland (February 2, 1991),
- “22nd Conference of the Council for National Unity,” Chateau Laurier Hotel, Ottawa (April 5, 1991),
- “Why I support the Charlottetown Accord,” University of New Brunswick (October 23, 1982),
- “Address to the Canadian Hospital Association, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (June 12, 1992),
- “Carleton North High School graduation,” Carleton North High School (June 24, 1992),
- “Canadian unity: a joking matter,” Leacock Luncheon, McGill University (September 18, 1992),
- “The Canadian University presidency: a perspective senior universities administrators course,” Banff, Alberta (May 1992).
Donated by James Downey in 2019.
The records in this file were physically separated into multiple folders.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Tables of contents and lists of speeches and papers written and presented by James Downey between the years 1980 and 1999. Contains lists with title and date of publication or address of writings.
Donated by James Downey in 2019.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Materials related to biographical sketches written by James Downey. Contains writings about different people, tributes and essays by Downey, materials accumulated by Downey to support his research (such as news stories and photocopies of photographs), and related correspondence.
Titles of speeches and articles are:
- "A toast to Tom" (May 14, 2003),
- "Foreword" to Otto Tucker _That nothing be lost_ (2003),
- "Mary Louise Lynch: lawyer; adviser & confidante of Lord Beaverbrook,"
- "Protectorate to Province: Newfoundland, 1934-1957,"
- "Ernest Fletcher Downey" (July 14, 2006),
- "Jemima Anne (Andrews) Downey" (May 13, 2000),
- "Dorothy (Downey) Elder" (January 31, 2000),
- "Margaret (Downey) Richards, on the 50th anniversary of her marriage,"
- "Lorne Parott" (July 9, 2000) and related correspondence,
- "Roland Hawkins" (April 11, 2000) and related correspondence,
- "Arthur S. Butt" (August 11, 2001),
- "Memories are made of this & that: recollections of life on Long's Hill, 1955-1956,"
- "Cott Fillier: a quick sketch" (September 16, 2005),
- "Dunville" (January 11, 2000),
- "George Story" (December 29, 1999)
- "Paul West" (January 6, 2000),
- "Eric Richards (1924-2004)" (August 4, 1999),
- "John Hutchinson",
- "Donald Soper" (January 2000),
- "A tribute to Chester Campbell" (March 1995),
- "A tribute to Eric Garland" (February 1997),
- "A toast to Harrison McCain" (January 17, 1998),
- "A toast to James F. O'Sullivan" (April 23, 1999),
- "Bob Burridge: a tribute (sort of)" (April 12, 1991),
- "For Colin B. Mckay" (March 30, 1999),
- "Beaverbrook's choice: the appointment of Colin B. Mackay as President of UNB" (February 18, 2003),
- "Tom Condon" (May 14, 2003),
- "Mary Ives (Anglin) Mackay,"
- "The Beaverbrook Beneficence" (January 1992),
- "Frank McKenna" (April 13, 2006),
- "Ted Williams" (July 11, 2002),
- "The brothers Kennedy at UNB. Introduction,"
- "Notes for remarks about Les Harris at AAU Dinner" (March 22, 1990),
- "Opening of Pratt exhibition" (September 16, 1993),
- "Senator J. Trevor Eyton" (January 19, 1994),
- "Michael Higgins" (May 9, 1994),
- "Introduction for peter Gzowski" (February 16, 1995),
- "Alex Colville" (November 10, 1995),
- "Remarks for the opening of an exhibition of the sculpture of Judith Schwartz" (January 14, 1998),
- "Installation of Bonnie Patterson: Luncheon talk" (October 2, 1998),
- "Introduction for David Johnston" (May 19, 1999),
- "Brian Hendley" (June 2, 1999),
- "Peter Harvey Sims to be Doctor of Laws" (June 15, 1999)
- "For Jim Kalbfleisch" (December 10, 2000),
- "For Susan Shantz" (April 24, 2000),
- "For Ian Lithgow, friend and colleague" (October 19, 2000),
- "Paul Mitchell" (April 3, 2001),
- "Arnold Naimark" (August 1998),
- "Anastasios Christodoulou: the very model of a Secretary General" (August 2002),
- "Introduction for Michael Ignatieff" (January 24, 2001),
- "For Paul Davenport, Officer of the Order of Canada" (October 28, 2002),
- "Conclusion to slide/video tribute to Valentine O'Donovan" (October 29, 2002),
- "J. Robert S. Prichard to be Doctor of Laws" (May 18, 2002),
- "For Lyle Hallman: a funeral tribute" (October 31, 2003),
- "Russel Legge: a funeral tribute" (March 28, 2004),
- "Welcome to the groom & toast to the bride" (May 2005),
- "For Bill Klassen" (April 23, 2006),
- "Words for Robin" (March 24, 2013),
- "For Mary Bales,"
- "For Doris Nicholson" (August 21, 2015),
- "A funeral tribute for Jim Kalbfleisch" (April 30, 2017).
Also includes one drawing by Gerard Brender à Brandis titled “Winterton, Newfoundland” and photocopies of photographs.
Donated by James Downey in 2019.
The records in this file were physically separated into multiple folders.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Materials related to speeches and papers written by James Downey between the years 1994 and 2006. Includes drafts and final versions of speeches.
Titles of speeches are:
- “Notes for a speech to the United Way Campaign leaders conference,” Ottawa (February 12, 1994),
- “Epiphanies now and then: the process and prospects of educational reform,” UW Arts Faculty Lecture (April 6, 1994),
- “President’s report to the AGM of the UW Board of Governors,” (November 26, 1996),
- “The University as Trinity: balancing corporation, collegium, and community,” The Louise McBee Lecture, University of Georgia (1995),
- “Turning a corner: remarks by the president at the Annual State-of-the University meeting,” (November 20, 1997),
- “Home free, outport style: presentation at the Winterton Homecoming dinner,” Winterton, Newfoundland and Labrador (August 1997),
- “University of Toronto Convocation address,” (June 11, 1998),
- “Board remarks,” (May 31, 1999),
- “Downey Tennisfest remarks” (September 26, 1999),
- “Presentation to colleagues at the Institute of Higher Education,” University of Georgia (March 23, 2000),
- “Honoring the commonplace,” Carleton University convocation address (June 16, 2000),
- “UW Art HGallery opening,” (September 21, 2000),
- “The president as stand-along word processor,” New Presidents’ Seminar, Calgary (October 5, 2000),
- “University of Waterloo Convocation address,” (October 2000),
- “Schools are Us,” David Smith Lecture, Council of Universities (October 14, 2003),
- “Management, leadership and change in universities,” Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Juley 6, 2006),
- “Giving voice to vision,” Association of Atlantic Universities, Memorial University of Newfoundland (October 27, 2006).
Donated by James Downey in 2019.
For more information on James Downey's commonplace books, please refer to the related materials on Series 1 - Commonplace books.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Materials related to a speech given by James Downey on the topic of commonplace books. Includes draft for the speech titled “Honouring the Commonplace” with handwritten annotations, speech was to be presented at the Wessex Society in St. John’s, on April 8, 1998.
Also contains poem “A birthday prayer for Peg.”
Donated by James Downey in 2019.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Materials related to toasts, roasts, and remembrances written by James Downey honouring different people and events. Includes research information, drafts, and final versions of toasts.
Titles of toasts are:
- "Memories are made of this & that: recollections of life on Long's Hill, 1955-1956,"
- "Rob McDougall: a remembrance" (October 21, 2001),
- "George Benson Johnton: power, linguist, teacher, calligrapher,"
- "Gordon Wood (1921-2001),"
- "Mordecai Richler,"
- "Mary Louise Lynch,"
- "Colin B. McKay (1920-2003): Beaverbrook's choice,"
- "Tribute to Chancellor Valentine O'Donovan" (October 29, 2002),
- "For David Burns" (January 25, 2002),
- "Parkview United" (March 7, 2004),
- "Cott Fillier: a quick sketch" (September 16, 2005),
- "Robert Prichard to be Doctor of Laws,"
- "Welcome to the Groom & Toast to the Bride: for Sarah and Manfred on their wedding" (March 7, 2005),
- "Toast to Edwina and Wilf on their 50th" (August 25, 2008),
- "For Paul Davenport, Officer of the Order of Canada" (October 28, 2002) and related news stories,
- "For Peg & Eric Richards" (August 4, 1999),
- "Parallel lives: a tribute to Peter & Betty Sims,"
- "For Susan Shantz" (April 24, 2000),
- "For Ian Lithgow, friend & colleague" (October 19, 2000) and "Ian H. Lightgow: fundraiser par excellence,"
- "Introduction for Michael Ignatieff" (January 24, 2001),
- "Remarks for the opening of an exhibition of the sculpture of Judith Schwartz" (January 14, 1998),
- "Thomas J. Condon,"
- "Mary Ives (Anglin) Mackay" (January 30, 2002),
- "A garland for Eric,"
- "For Lyly Hallman: a funeral tribute,"
- "Russel Legge: a tribute" (March 28, 2004),
- "For Bill Klassen" (April 23, 2006),
- "Thanks to Cyril Poole" Wessex Society (May 9, 2007),
- "Toast to Edwina and Wilf on their 50th" (August 25, 2008),
- "Tribute to Paul Mitchell" (April 3, 2001),
- "For Claire Morris, from her friend and admirer, Kim Downey" (April 6, 2009),
- "For Mary Bales" (January 2, 2014).
Donated by James Downey in 2019.
James Downey was born in Winterton, Newfoundland in 1939. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and attended the University of London as a Rothermere Fellow where he earned a Ph.D. in English Literature. Downey began his career at Carleton University. There, he held a series of academic and administrative posts including Vice-President Academic and President pro tempore.
From 1980 to 1990, Downey was President of the University of New Brunswick. During that period, he also served terms as President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities, and Chair of the Corporate-Higher Education Forum.
From 1990 to 1993, Downey was Special Advisor to the Premier of New Brunswick; Special Advisor to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and co-chair of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, which published two reports that guided educational reform in that province.
James Downey was President of the University of Waterloo from 1993 to 1999. During his presidency of the University of Waterloo, he also served terms as Chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and Chair of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
After stepping down as president of the University of Waterloo, he founded and directed Canada’s first centre for the study of co-operative education, located at Waterloo; led an annual seminar for new university presidents sponsored by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada; and from 2007 to 2010 was the founding president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
Among Downey's awards are nine honorary degrees; the Symons Medal for outstanding service to higher education in the Commonwealth, received from the Association of Commonwealth Universities in 2000; and the David C. Smith Award for contributions to universities and public policy in Canada, received from the Council of Ontario Universities in 2003. In 1996, Downey was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. And, in 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Military College of Canada.
Downey's publications include _The Eighteenth Century pulpit_ (Oxford University Press, 1969), _Fearful joy_ (McGill-Queen1s University Press, 1973), _Schools for a new Century and to live and learn_ (reports of the New Brunswick Commission on Excellence in Education, 1992, 1993), and _Innovation : essays by leading Canadian researchers_, edited with Lois Claxton (Key Porter Books, 2002).
James Downey died in March 2022.
Published
Materials related to speeches and papers written by James Downey between the years 2006 and 2012. Includes drafts and final versions of speeches.
Titles of speeches are:
- “Opening remarks for HEQCO Interview” (November 19, 2006),
- “Canadian undergraduate education: a light source in need of recharging,” AUCC President’s Circle, Saskatoon (April 18, 2007),
- “Quality assurance: Boon or Boondoggle?” Canadian Institutional Research and Planning Association, St. John’s (October 22, 2007),
- “Ryerson Board retreat” (October 29, 2007),
- “Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation Dinner” (February 8, 2008),
- “Accountability versus autonomy,” Meeting of vice-presidents Conference Board of Canada Quality Network for Universities (November 13, 2008),
- “Centenary dinner,” Winterton United Church (October 1, 2011),
- “Remarks for the launch of Lord Beaverbrook and the Kennedys,” Memorial Hall, UNB (May 15, 2012).
Donated by James Downey in 2019.