Robert Williamson

J. W. George Ivany Internationalization Award - Fall 1999

The J. W. George Ivany Internationalization Award was established to recognize the extraordinary contribution towards the internationalization objectives of the university by a member of the faculty or administration. This is awarded annually at the Fall Convocation. This year's winner is Dr. Robert G. Williamson, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Archaeology.

In naming Dr. Williamson the winner, the selection committee took note of his long-standing scholarly commitment to the Arctic and circumpolar nations as well as his sustained commitment to the process of internationalization reflected in his work in ensuring the inclusion of the global dimension into the University's mission and in leading the campus-wide support for the establishment of the University of Saskatchewan International.

In the words of Prof. Louise Forsyth, former Dean of Graduate Studies and Research: Williamson has provided for years a unique and powerful vision of what he profoundly believes internationalization must mean at this university, and has thereby sparked many others to become committed to internationalization.

The Committee also took note of his contribution as a teacher who has had a significant role in broadening the students international awareness in classroom and his continuing role in the development and continuation of the academic exchange program with the University of Umea in Sweden. Williamson's sustained commitment to internationalization was noted by all of the nominators. Prof. Barry McLennan of the College of Medicine indicates that Dr. Williamson personifies the word internationalization and has been at it for over 20 years - long before it became fashionable for universities to declare that they were formally involved in internationalization activities.

Kurt Tischler, International Student Adviser notes Dr. Williamson's sage advice, encouragement and unconditional support in his work with international students.

Prof. John Lyons of the College of Education indicates that Dr. Williamson's efforts and achievements in the field of internationalization go well beyond the normal expectations of his academic responsibilities. Williamson continues his scholarly commitment to the issues of justice and equity for the peoples of the circumpolar region and has received numerous international honours for such work. He has been a recipient of the Confederation Medal in celebration of the 125th Anniversary of Canada, and is a member of the Order of Canada. Williamson has been driven by his determination to do his best to make his city and province, his country and the world a more just place for all who are oppressed, particularly the aboriginal peoples of the circumpolar world.

* NOTE: Presentation of this award was postponed to Spring Convocation 2000