President Emeritus H. Ian Macdonald has just returned from a busy week in China where he gave three guest lectures in three different cities, on the subject: Public Administration in China and Canada - What's the Difference? The lectures were delivered to: Beijing University of Chemical Technology. Qingdao Technological University and Hunan University.
Right: H. Ian Macdonald
During his visit to Hunan University, an institution that is more than 1,000 years old, Macdonald was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Hunan University for his contributions to the theory and practice of public administration.
Macdonald was also the keynote speaker at the International Academic Symposium on City Development. He was invited to deliver the address at the invitation of the governor of Hunan Province.
Now back in Canada, Macdonald will be examining the requests for teaching and research collaboration in the field of public administration, which he received during his visits to the three Chinese universities.
An economist and academic who held senior posts in the Ontario government, Macdonald was York University’s third president and vice-chancellor, serving from 1974 to 1984. Currently, he is the graduate program director of the Public Administration Program at York’s Schulich School of Business.
Among his many honours and awards, Macdonald has received a Rhodes scholarship, Vanier Medal for Public Service, Citation of Merit from the Court of Canadian Citizenship, Award of Merit of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, Knight of Grace of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, Governor General's Medal, Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation and Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. In addition, Macdonald is an officer of the Order of Canada.