During his tenure as provost at the University of Windsor, Douglas Kneale proved to be a friend to the institution’s retirees — and now he has the certificate to prove it.

The Windsor University Retirees’ Association conferred its “Friend of WURA” award on Dr. Kneale, who will leave his office Friday, during a meeting of the association online Wednesday, April 28.

“Over the last seven years, you have done a lot for WURA,” president Roger Lauzon said in presenting Kneale with his award, a framed certificate attesting to the recognition of his support for the organization. He cited the provision of free access to Microsoft software for its members and an increase in the subsidy for its annual holiday luncheon.

Kneale called it “an honour” to be formally designated a friend of WURA, although he added he has long considered its members friends.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time interacting with you,” he said. “You’re so highly engaged with the life of the institution. I appreciate all you have done for the lives of our students.”