Dr. Robert A. Gordon Appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada
Humber President Emeritus renowned for his postsecondary leadership

Dr. Robert (Squee) Gordon, Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning’s longest serving president (1982-2007) has been appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his dedication and commitment to higher education in Canada. Gordon’s leadership was instrumental in transforming the college system from its community roots to today’s degree-granting, preparing students for their career role.

Dr. Gordon has spent more than 45 years in public postsecondary education. He was president of Dawson College in Montreal before serving as Humber’s president for 25 years.

“While it is humbling to be personally honoured, real credit should go to the many committed and professional staff at Humber, Dawson and other colleges across Canada who make excellent educational things happen. Considering its major impact upon the socio-economic well-being of so many Canadians, the college movement has always been underappreciated in Canada, and this award goes some distance in redressing that misconception,” said Gordon.

Among his many accolades and achievements, Dr. Gordon received the Commemorative Medal for the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II and the Order of Ontario.

He has taught at many colleges and universities, has consulted and been a policy advisor nationally and internationally on postsecondary education, is widely published, and held a variety of board and other appointments during his career. 

“We first and foremost congratulate Dr. Gordon on his well-deserved recognition and for his contributions to Humber and the overall college system in Canada,” said Chris Whitaker, Humber’s current president. “Squee led Humber through its formative years, always putting students’ interests first. His vision broadened access to education, added innovative programs and inspired all employees. Further, his focus on teaching and learning led to a model for Humber that enables our students to be ready to work when they graduate.”