posted on Feb. 20: Mary Keyes’ legacy: An institution that is stronger and more compassionate

It is a tremendous honour to have the opportunity to speak this afternoon on behalf of McMaster University and President Peter George, who deeply regrets that he is unable to attend this service.

To Mary's family and friends, our deepest sympathies on the loss of one so dear.

There are thousands of faces on this campus: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, neighbourhood children here for sports camp. For many of us, getting to know more than a handful of the people who make up McMaster can be difficult. It wasn't difficult for Mary.

It was one of the many things I and so many others admired about her. Mary knew everyone. Whether it was working with student leaders, the students she taught, coached and counseled, her staff, the faculty or administrative colleagues, Mary took the time to get to know as individuals the people with whom she worked. They, in turn, had tremendous respect for her as a mentor and friend.

Let me share with you a quote from Samuel Butler. “Every person's work, whether it be literature or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of herself.”

To me, the portrait of Mary Keyes includes many things.

Flying around campus in a golf cart on move-in weekend, cheering on the Marauders on the football field, on the court, or in the pool. The long sigh just before she clearly told us exactly what she thought about a proposal. The twinkle in her eye when she thought something was terribly funny but it would have been inappropriate to laugh out loud.

That portrait also includes Mary as a respected member of faculty and an academic, respect that extended far beyond McMaster's borders to universities and communities across North America. Mary will be remembered by many of you as one of the most inspiring teachers you encountered during your time at McMaster. Students she taught and coached kept in contact years later, an incredible testament to her impact and ability to touch people's lives.

As a member of the broader University, Mary's contributions are immeasurable. She tirelessly worked to ensure that student concerns and interests were at every table. Her counsel and input helped shape the University into an institution that is stronger and more compassionate. That legacy will not be forgotten.

Her diplomacy and concern for others also extended into the community. Neighbours knew they could call Mary with their concerns. Often she would visit them to try to resolve an issue. A resolution was not always possible but the community had tremendous respect for her willingness to always listen.

It would be easy for me to go on about the many ways Mary made a difference. But perhaps the refrain in many conversations heard around campus this week is enough. Mary was quite simply a good person and we are all fortunate to have known her.