[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Hawkrigg_opt.jpg” caption=”Mel and Marilyn Hawkrigg”]Granting degrees to McMaster graduates at convocation ceremonies is a lot like football, says Melvin Hawkrigg, McMaster's chancellor, honourary degree recipient, alumnus, and a member of the University's sports hall of fame. There's a big crowd watching, you really need a quarterback to direct your next move, and it takes a while to learn the plays.

In six years he's led more than 24,000 students to educational victory in one of the University's oldest and most important roles, and he's about to embark on a third three-year appointment as McMaster's 16th Chancellor.

“I fumbled a bit at that first convocation,” he laughs. “In trying to make it personal and chat with each graduate, I listened for their names but usually forgot the degree they were getting. I granted a few degrees that year that hadn't been thought of, let alone authorized, but everything worked out alright in the end.”

Officially, the centuries-old role of chancellor is the titular head of the University, presiding over the ancient convocation ceremony in a massive oak chair that bears a carved representation of an early version of the University Seal. Appointed by the University's senate, it is unusual for a chancellor to be selected for a third term.

“I'm pleased to get this third extension,” says Hawkrigg. “Both Marilyn and I really enjoy our duties and our opportunity to deal with so many young people, and to represent the University at this level. This opportunity has come at a time in our lives when we can share these duties together.”

He and his wife Marilyn, who's affectionately called the “co-chancellor” for her strong show of support for McMaster, attend most campus events together. With five children of their own  all McMaster graduates  they know well the significance of convocation for students and their families.

“Convocation is the end of a long hard financial and academic road for students, and I try to make that moment special for everyone,” says Mel. “For many graduates, they're the first person in their family to earn a degree and the whole family has made a lot of sacrifices to get them here. It's a special day when you see that come to an end.”

But presiding over convocation isn't as easy as it looks, says Peter George, McMaster president and vice-chancellor. There's an art to staying animated and personalizing the experience. “It's not easy sitting there for two hours, but Mel always sustains his interest and enthusiasm, and he engages students, making them feel welcome and appreciated,” he says.

The couple has lived in nearby Waterdown for more than four decades, and they say their close proximity to the University and their affinity for young people allow them to attend a number of McMaster events. Fiercely supportive of the University and its students, they've assisted with a number of fundraising initiatives and even established two scholarships in the family name, for business and kinesiology students.

“We find young people so interesting, and we really enjoy meeting them,” says Marilyn. “Attending the graduation of part-time students is also very gratifying because we remember what it's like to balance between part time studies, a spouse, children, and a career. At every event we attend we're also welcomed further into the community by McMaster's faculty and staff, and we value that opportunity to form lasting relationships with them as well.”

When Mel was earning his chartered accountant designation the program was structured as an apprenticeship. He worked long days as an apprentice during the day and attended classes at night. Newly married and expecting their first child, the couple learned to stretch his $125 of monthly earnings to carry them through.

“We appreciate what it's like to work long, hard hours,” she says. “We've been very lucky, and for us it's paid off in spades.”

In addition to convocation duties, the chancellor, or “unpaid friend of the University”, sits on the Board of Governors and a number of board and senate committees. But George says the Hawkriggs' strong presence at so many University events has made them a fixture within the McMaster community. Their profile in the alumni and business community as well as their involvement in activities within the Hamilton area have garnered them a number of good friends over the years.

“Mel is a working chancellor. He's committed, he brings presence to the job, and he represents us very well,” says George. “He's a wonderful, engaged, warm human being, and as a bonus he came with Marilyn, who has all those same endearing qualities.”

Photo caption: Melvin Hawkrigg, McMaster's chancellor, with his wife Marilyn Hawkrigg