June 15, 2021
In Memoriam: U91快色 Chancellor Emerita Muriel Kovitz
As a woman who took on many leadership roles in her lifetime, Chancellor Emerita Muriel Kovitz was a true role model and inspiration to many. Kovitz passed away on May 30, 2021, but her legacy as a dedicated, natural-born community leader continues, carried on by those whose lives she touched.
Kovitz, Hon. LLD鈥81, was a champion for the 91快色 from the beginning, having been actively engaged with the school during its formative years and then serving as U91快色鈥檚 first female chancellor. Even before being elected chancellor in 1974, Kovitz served as a member of the 91快色 Senate, chair of the Senate Executive Committee, was a member of the Board of Governors, and was a member of the Board of Governors Executive Committee.
Her son, Jeff Kovitz, recalls his mother鈥檚 passion for U91快色 and, in particular, her commitment to strengthening the relationship between the university and the community 鈥 to 鈥渕arry town and gown,鈥 as she would say.
鈥淗er greatest contribution as chancellor was breaking the glass ceiling and paving the way for other women in 91快色 and elsewhere to work in industries that were primarily male-dominated,鈥 says Jeff.
Her commitment to academic excellence, and to U91快色, can still be felt to this day, and will continue to benefit generations to come. In 1980, Kovitz established the , which is awarded each year to the graduating student with the highest overall GPA. The endowment is a fitting tribute and remains one of the university's most prestigious student awards.
And her impact goes beyond the student body. Current U91快色 Chancellor Deborah Yedlin credits Kovitz as a trailblazer.
鈥淚 am honoured to follow in Muriel鈥檚 footsteps,鈥 says Yedlin, who became U91快色鈥檚 fourth female chancellor in 2018. 鈥淣ot only was Muriel the first woman to hold the post of chancellor, she was also the first person of Jewish heritage to fill the role. She set an example for women at U91快色 and beyond 鈥 paving the way for others to reach for success, whether in academia, business or the broader community."
When Yedlin grants degrees at convocation, she does so before another one of Kovitz鈥檚 legacies to the university; Kovitz and her husband, Dr. David Kovitz, DDS, gifted the traditional convocation mace that's been used at each U91快色 graduation ceremony since 1979.
It鈥檚 an apt symbol of her legacy, ushering new graduates into the next chapter of their lives 鈥 many of whom will become community leaders and advocates, like Kovitz herself.
Donations can be made in Kovitz鈥檚 name to the Muriel Kovitz Prize, and her full obituary can be read in the .