David Onley, Ontario's 28th lieutenant-governor, joins U of T

The Honourable David Onley has stepped down as Ontario’s 28th and second longest-serving lieutenant governor and will return to his roots at University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC).

On October 1, Onley will assume the role of senior lecturer and distinguished visitor, teaching classes in the department of political science and working with students on research projects, using papers from his term in public office. He will also archive his papers while at UTSC, working with staff of the UTSC Library. 

Onley will also serve the university as special ambassador for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, contributing to the momentum leading up to the Games at a series of events on both the UTSC and St. George campuses, which will both host Games competitions.

“I am honoured to be assuming my new responsibilities at UTSC and am truly looking forward to sharing my experiences as lieutenant-governor in class and on campus,” said Onley. “I’m excited as well to be ambassador for U of T to the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.”

An alumnus who graduated in 1975, Onley received an honorary Doctor of Laws from U of T in 2009. He was student council president at what was then known as Scarborough College. 

The early 1970s was a time of great student activism, and Onley remembers the administration reaching out to involve students in the decision-making process. That, he says, was enormously impressive. Now Onley will be reaching out to today’s students.

“We are delighted to welcome home our distinguished alum,” said Professor Bruce Kidd, interim vice-president and principal, UTSC. “We have much to learn from his experience as a journalist and activist, and from his outstanding years in public service.”

Professor Grace Skogstad, chair of UTSC’s department of political science, echoes the enthusiasm for Onley’s next career step. “Here is a man who followed his passion, carving a niche for himself as one of Canada’s leading experts on NASA’s shuttle program and launching a storied and distinguished career,” Skogstad said, referring to Onley’s best-selling novel about the space program, his role as founding president of the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Canada and his years as City TV’s science and technology reporter, CP24 news anchor and host of the technology series Home Page.  

“Our students have much to learn from Mr. Onley and the unique perspective he will offer from his years at Queen’s Park, which have been among the most eventful in recent memory.”

“We are so pleased and grateful that David Onley has agreed to take on these new positions,” said Professor Meric Gertler, president of U of T. “He is a brilliant communicator who combines a magnificent record in public office with deep knowledge of and commitment to U of T Scarborough.

“During his term as lieutenant-governor Mr. Onley represented Ontario at many other world sporting events. He is also a great champion of the parasport movement. We could not ask for a more perfect representative of the university community.”

Shelley Romoff is a writer with the University of Toronto Scarborough.