Much has been written about Arthur Kroeger, former chancellor of Carleton University, since his passing on May 9, 2008. A legendary figure known as the “dean of deputy ministers”, Kroeger’s career as a public servant of singular distinction has been lauded—he held the post of deputy minister for numerous federal ministries from 1975 until 1992—and his contribution to Carleton, as the university’s seventh chancellor from 1993 to 2002, and thereafter as chancellor emeritus, has been celebrated. But perhaps the most moving tributes are from those who knew the man.
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All of Carleton University mourns the death of Arthur Kroeger, chancellor emeritus, but nowhere is the loss more keenly felt than in the college that bears his name.
He was a wonderful man who led a truly remarkable life, one devoted to the betterment of Canadian society. Though he will no longer be present at convocation or college dinners, we will always have the example he set in his work and in his life. It is for us, now, to live up to that example.
Christopher Dornan, director, Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs
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There have been, and will continue to be, many tributes to Arthur about his intellect, his experience, his integrity. They speak of his days as a deputy minister, of his quiet influence, his wise counsel. And they are all true. But what I will treasure are the memories of Arthur with the students of Kroeger College, in whom he took such pleasure.
Arthur was always at his happiest when surrounded by the students and it did not matter if there were people in attendance with loftier titles. I remember the day we had the official opening of the college in 1999, the highlight of which was a panel of well-known Canadians, moderated by Peter Mansbridge. Arthur was supposed to be in the front row with other dignitaries and university officials. When the time came for the panel to start, I couldn’t find him anywhere. He must have noticed me frantically searching because I heard my name called from the middle of the auditorium. I looked up and there was Arthur, waving and grinning from ear to ear, planted in the middle of that first cohort of Kroeger students. He was in his element and there was no coaxing him down to the front.
Today I am thinking how fortunate are the alumni who got a chance to meet this remarkable, gentle man. The BPAPM program will continue to attract amazing students from all corners of Canada, and its graduates will continue to flourish and make us proud. But there will be a part of the Kroeger College experience which will never quite be the same.
Eileen Saunders, former director, Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs
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Arthur was truly a remarkable public servant, but it was his personal commitment to the students at the college that bears his name for which I will remember him. Arthur was always there, and I think we all assumed that he always would be there. He was at the academic orientation each September to meet the new students. Throughout the year he would attend as many student events as he was able. And at the end of it all, when our academic careers at the Kroeger College were finished, there he was, sitting proudly on stage as each Kroeger Kid made a detour from the official procession to shake hands with the man himself. Our graduating class was the last to have had that honour.
While I was a member of AKCESS, we decided to make our own wine. So, in 2005 and again in 2006 we made The Kroeger Reserve and Le Kroeger d’Or. When we presented him with the first bottle of the Kroeger Reserve, he seemed genuinely touched. He explained to us that when he was a student, he would have been expelled had he been found with a bottle of wine in his dorm room! This was a man who has received countless honours— including induction as a companion of the Order of Canada—and here he was, tickled pink at having a bottle of wine named after him.
John L. Nater, BPAPM/07
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Kroeger’s legacy will live on as Carleton University and his family honour his memory through the creation of the Arthur Kroeger Memorial Award. Donations can be made to the scholarship fund in his name by contacting the department of university advancement at 613-520-2600, ext. 3636 or online at carleton.ca/kroeger, where you can also read and contribute to the book of condolences.
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