In memoriam: The Hon. Robert Rogers

The university community was deeply saddened by the passing of the Honourable Robert Rogers, a former chancellor of the University of Victoria, on May 21. Rogers was the seventh university chancellor, serving from 1991 to 1996 as a member of the university’s governance structure and as the titular head of the university, the chair of convocation, conferring all degrees.

Rogers conferred degrees on more than 12,000 UVic graduates during his tenure, but may be remembered best for his work to develop and maintain close ties between the university, community organizations and the business world.

UVic president David Turpin calls Rogers’ death a great loss. “Robert was a wonderful supporter of the university and he tirelessly gave his time to UVic. He connected the university to our greater community and he left a remarkable impression on thousands of our graduates during the many convocation ceremonies over which he presided.”

Prior to becoming chancellor, Rogers had served as the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

He was a graduate of Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont., and the University of Toronto. Rogers’ belief in the civic value of scholarship was recognized far beyond the university’s walls, and he was presented with honourary doctorates from UVic, Simon Fraser, Royal Roads Military College and University of British Columbia.