June 24, 2013 - Laurentian University announced today that broadcast journalist, author and documentary film-maker Steve Paikin will become Laurentian University’s second Chancellor, succeeding Madame Aline Chrétien.
Steve Paikin is the anchor and senior editor of TVO’s flagship current affairs program The Agenda with Steve Paikin. He has produced and hosted a variety of current affairs programs for Ontario’s educational broadcaster for more than 20 years, and is also well-known as the moderator of provincial and federal leaders’ debates during several election campaigns.
Mr. Paikin has strong ties to Laurentian University and to the City of Greater Sudbury. He is married to Francesca Grosso, who was raised in Sudbury; his father-in-law, Dr. Roberto Grosso, was a former Chair of the Board of Governors at Laurentian. In 2012, Mr. Paikin received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from Laurentian. The Grosso and Paikin families spend summers in the Sudbury District and maintain many links to the region.
“Steve Paikin is extremely well-suited to serve as Laurentian’s Chancellor, and we are thrilled that he has accepted this appointment,” said the Chair of the University’s Board of Governors, Michael Atkins. “Mr. Paikin is an accomplished and highly-respected individual of exceptional energy, credibility, and integrity. His professional reputation and his dedication to excellence personify our purpose at Laurentian.”
“I am truly honored to be chosen for this important position and I was overjoyed to accept Laurentian University’s invitation,” said Paikin. ”My wife Francesca was also delighted by the invitation and said that her father would have been tremendously proud. Roberto did so much to help build Laurentian University in its early years, and our family wishes he could be with us to celebrate this wonderful news.”
Paikin also said that he has been impressed by Laurentian University’s achievements and its ambitious goals for the future. “In my interactions with people at Laurentian over the past few years, I’ve been struck by the vision and the drive shown by this university, by the quality of its leadership, faculty and staff. There is an outstanding team there, and Dominic Giroux has proven to be a transformative President. I’m really looking forward to working with all members of the university community and its partners in Greater Sudbury and Barrie, to advance Laurentian’s mission,” he said.
Paikin first joined TVO in 1992 after working more than three years as a city hall reporter for Toronto radio station CHFI, and then as a news reporter and anchor with CBC in Toronto for seven years. Since that time he has consistently set new standards of excellence in current affairs. As host of The Agenda, now completing its seventh season, Mr. Paikin plays a vital role in engaging Ontarians in the issues shaping the province. One of the most intelligent and respected interviewers and moderators in Canadian media, Mr. Paikin has elevated the level of discourse on subjects such as politics, religion and culture, science and technology, the economy and the environment, both in terms of balance and accessibility. “No subject affecting Ontarians should be seen as too complex for discussion on The Agenda,” says Paikin. “Nor should partisan opinion shape the discourse.” Mr. Paikin has served as moderator of federal and provincial leaders’ debates five times, and has written four books about Canadian politics, including his latest, Paikin and the Premiers, available in September 2013. He has also produced a number of feature-length documentaries, including the award-winning “Return to the Warsaw Ghetto.” In 2012, Mr. Paikin was presented with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
“All of us at TVO congratulate Steve on his appointment as Chancellor of Laurentian University,” said Lisa de Wilde, Chief Executive Officer of TVO. “Steve’s integrity and commitment to public service are inspiring, and through The Agenda he has helped make Ontarians smarter, more aware and more informed. As Laurentian’s Chancellor he will make a wonderful role model for young people, motivating them by example to strive for excellence in everything they do.”
Serving in a volunteer capacity, Laurentian’s Chancellor acts as an ambassador for the university. He presides over convocation ceremonies and other important events, represents the university in an official capacity at external events from time to time, engages in profile-raising and advancement activities, champions Laurentian and higher education, and provides advice to the President.
Paikin’s appointment was unanimously endorsed by the University’s Senate and Board of Governors, after a request for nominations from the University community. His installation as Chancellor for a five-year renewable term will be held on October 26th during Fall convocation ceremonies in Sudbury.