The Honourable Ed Lumley has announced his intention to step down as the University of Windsor’s Chancellor.

Appointed as Chancellor in 2006, Lumley has worked tirelessly to promote the University and has helped fundraise over $100 million in support of capital projects and scholarships. Of that total, $80 million came from federal and provincial government contributions for the Centre for Engineering Innovation.

On May 30, 2012, Lumley was also the focus of a benefit attended by former prime ministers, premiers, and federal and provincial cabinet ministers that helped raise $5.3 million for the centre.

Lumley’s unwavering support of the University resulted in the naming of the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation in 2013.

The $112-million building was the largest capital investment in campus history. This world-class hub for innovation spans 300,000 square feet, and features the latest in classroom teaching technology, an Industrial Courtyard for collaborative work with the region, and 80 research labs.

In fall 2014, Ron Joyce, chair of the Joyce Foundation, announced a $10-million gift in support of students at the University of Windsor in the form of a bursary to be named the Ed Lumley Bursary, in recognition of the Chancellor’s commitment to the University and the Windsor-Essex community. Since 2015-16, 58 individual students have benefited from the bursary and each will qualify for as much as $32,000 in assistance during their four years of study.

As Chancellor, Lumley has also conferred degrees on nearly 55,000, or 40 per cent of the University’s 134,000 alumni.

“Ed has been an exemplary Chancellor through his engagement with literally thousands of students, his success in securing significant material support for the University, his advocacy on behalf of our city as well as our campus, and his extraordinary personal generosity,” said interim president Douglas Kneale.

Born and raised in Windsor, Lumley graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Commerce from Assumption University, the predecessor of the University of Windsor. In 1973, Lumley was named a recipient of the University of Windsor’s Alumni Association Award.

Lumley said that “it has indeed been an honour to be the Chancellor of the University these past 12 years. Having been born and raised in the City of Windsor, It has provided me the opportunity to repay many people in my hometown and alma mater who helped me in my formative years.

“I was privileged to work with two presidents, seven chairs and members of the Board of Governors, and dedicated faculty and administration in our successful effort in improving the reputation and image of our University,” he added. “Our students are our most precious assets and I will be eternally grateful having participated in a small way in their development.”

Prior to his appointment as Chancellor, Lumley had a distinguished record of achievement as an entrepreneur and mayor of Cornwall, Ontario, before serving 10 years as a Member of Parliament, holding several senior cabinet portfolios in the federal government. Those positions included Minister of Industry, of International Trade, and of Science and Technology. A successful corporate executive, Lumley served as vice-chair of BMO Nesbitt Burns for more than 25 years and was a member of a number of domestic and international corporate boards of directors. He has also been involved in numerous non-profit organizations.

In July 2014, Lumley was invested as a member of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement.