Joy Harvie Maclaren (New Sun)
C.M. B.Sc. LL.D.
1922–2014
Over a lifetime of service and dedication to others, Joy Maclaren transformed the lives of countless individuals while enabling numerous projects to reach their full potential. She did this on both the local and national level, with grace, humility, determination, encouragement, and a joyful and generous spirit. A passionate advocate for minority rights, she continually led by example.
Her relationship with Carleton University was longstanding; for several years she was a member of the Board of Governors. In 1995, in a special naming ceremony at Carleton, Joy was given the name “New Sun” by elders from the Blackfoot, Ojibwa, and Mohawk First Nations, to honour her commitment to promoting Aboriginal culture and post-secondary education across Canada. Numerous students, faculty, and research programs have been recipients of New Sun bursaries, scholarships, and awards. She supported professorships and Aboriginal visiting scholars.
The New Sun Chair in Aboriginal Art and Culture was the first of its kind in Canada and New Sun conferences are held annually at Carleton and the Blue Quills First Nations College in Alberta. The New Sun Joy Maclaren Adaptive Technology Centre is located in Carleton’s MacOdrum Library and provides services and study areas for students with disabilities. In 2005 Joy received the Founders Award, Carleton’s highest non-academic honour, and in 2011 the university conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree, the same year she was named a Member of the Order of Canada.
The way in which Joy lived her life was an inspiration to us all. We miss her dearly.
Remembering Joy Harvie Maclaren (New Sun) (PDF)
Tribute to New Sun in FASSinate magazine (PDF)
