TORONTO, April 17, 1998 -- York University Board of Governors' Chair Charles Hantho and President Lorna Marsden are pleased to announce that prestigious Canadian publisher Avie J. Bennett will become the next Chancellor of York University.

Bennett is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of McClelland & Stewart Inc. He will officially begin his three-year term as York University's 10th Chancellor during a special installation ceremony on Friday, May 29 at Osgoode Hall Law School's Moot Court.

"Chancellor Bennett will bring the same fierce commitment and loyalty to York University that he has shown to Canada's cultural community over the years. I am certain he will be an energetic and articulate advocate on behalf of students, alumni, faculty and the staff at York University, promoting the identity of this institution as ably as he has helped foster a sense of Canada to Canadians," said Marsden.

Bennett purchased McClelland & Stewart, the distinguished Canadian publishing house, in 1985 after a successful career in the shopping centre development business which he and his family pioneered. He has maintained the company's commitment to Canadian literature, publishing roughly 100 new titles each year. In 1991, Bennett purchased Hurtig Publishers of Edmonton, publisher of The Canadian Encyclopedia. He is also Chairman and President of First Plazas Inc., his commercial real estate company.

Named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1997 and appointed to The Order of Ontario in 1996, Bennett also became an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Toronto (1995) and received the degree, Doctor of University, from the University of Ottawa (1997). His volunteer work has extended to such organizations as The National Ballet of Canada, the United Way of Greater Toronto, and the Advisory Board of the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Bennett's appointment was made following an extensive search by a university committee which included students and faculty. As Chancellor, he will be a member of the Board of Governors, will preside over convocation ceremonies, and will represent York University inside and outside the institution.

"I look forward to joining the vibrant and diverse community that is York, and to exploring the impressive range of research, scholarship and outreach conducted by its talented faculty, students and staff ," said Bennett, adding that he plans to share his experiences with the public.

Bennett has been a strong supporter of York initiatives in the community for many years. He replaces outgoing Chancellor Arden Haynes, to whom Dr. Marsden extended her sincere appreciation for his years of steadfast and esteemed service to the York community.

York University, Canada's third largest university, is respected internationally for its innovative research and teaching. With its combination of dedicated and award-winning faculty, bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campuses in the heart of one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.

For more information, please contact:

Sine MacKinnon
Senior Advisor, Media Relations
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22087
YU/037/98