Alexander Himelfarb has been appointed director of the Glendon School of Public & International Affairs at the Glendon campus of York. Himelfarb will guide the expansion of the school’s research capacity and its professional development programming, and will strengthen the interface between the school and the public sector.
Himelfarb will lead the launch of a Centre for Global Challenges which, stressing the interplay of domestic and global issues, will bring together decision-makers, researchers, practitioners and students to explore challenges confronting Canada in a changing world. He will also teach in the school’s master’s program.
Left: Alexander Himelfarb
Himelfarb recently completed a three-year term as Canadian ambassador to the Italian Republic. Between May 2002 and March 2006, he served as clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet. He holds a PhD in sociology from the University of Toronto and, before entering the federal public service in 1981, spent nine years as a professor of sociology at the University of New Brunswick.
Closely associated with the Glendon School of Public & International Affairs since its creation in 2006, Himelfarb assembled the school’s advisory committee. He has served as chair of the committee and has met with faculty and students in the school.
“Dr. Himelfarb’s impressive achievements in public service, both at home in Canada and abroad, make him an ideal director for the school, which is focused on educating the global leaders of tomorrow,” said York University President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri.
Kenneth McRoberts, principal of Glendon College, said Himelfarb brings to the school an exceptionally rich experience as public servant and as scholar and teacher. “Under his leadership the school will become a national and international centre for research, teaching and debate about the central challenges facing governments and public leaders in Canada and globally.”
A reception will take place at the school next Monday at 4pm.