EDMONTON - It was the University of Alberta that first brought Ralph Young to Edmonton in 1969, drawing him to the city for a master’s degree in business administration.
On Friday, the U of A board of governors elected the highly respected 66-year-old businessman and community volunteer as the university’s next chancellor, the honourary head of the university.
Young, CEO of Melcor Developments, a long-established and successful Edmonton property development company, had less than an hour to get used to the new title before it was announced. He officially assumes the post on July 1st.
“I’ve always been incredibly appreciative of the education I received at this university and I’m very, very honoured to have the opportunity now to serve it in this new manner,” said Young, who sported two U of A pins on his lapel Friday.
Young’s relationship with the U of A has continued over the decades. He has served in myriad alumni and philanthropic roles.
U of A president Indira Samarasekera said Young, a civil engineer, will be a tremendous asset given his commitment to Edmonton and his ability to work with a wide range of people across the city.
Samarasekera described Young as someone who “absolutely cares deeply about the university, is passionate about western Canadian history and brings to us that breadth of perspective.”
Young is the university’s 20th chancellor. He will chair the university senate, serve on the board of governors and represent the university at ceremonies.
Samaraskera said the chancellor also fills an important role as counsellor to the president, offering advice and serving as a sounding board.
“This is an important role that I have valued as president with Eric Newell and Linda Hughes,” Samaraskera said, referring to the last two chancellors, who were the former CEO of Syncrude and former publisher of the Edmonton Journal respectively.
“Ralph Young is absolutely in that league and we have great expectations for him in that position.”
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