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.

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 and 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,” said McRoberts.

A reception will take place at the School on Monday, Sept. 21 at 4 pm.

About the Glendon School of Public & International Affairs

The Glendon School is Canada’s first bilingual graduate school of public and international affairs.  A unique Canadian institution, it combines a comprehensive bilingualism with a focus on both public and international affairs, seeking to explore the interplay between domestic and global issues.  Adopting a global perspective, the School explores the relationship between public institutions and their larger environment.  Its purpose is to advance research on public and international affairs; provide high-quality graduate programming; and offer innovative professional development programming. A fully bilingual master’s program features internships and international exchange experiences.  The School is located on Glendon’s picturesque campus in mid-town Toronto.

Visit the GSPIA at: www.glendon.yorku.ca/gspia

About York University

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada.  York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city.  The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as more than 200,000 alumni worldwide.  York’s 10 faculties and 26 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries.  This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

For further information, please contact:

Kenneth McRoberts, principal, Glendon College, 416-487-6727 kmcroberts@glendon.yorku.ca