The University of Calgary turned to the skies in their search for the post-secondary institution’s 13th chancellor and former astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk has successfully landed in the position.

Dr. Thirsk was unanimously elected as chancellor by the University’s senate on Friday and his four-year-term will begin on July 2.

"Robert Thirsk has been a hands-on member of our university community for many years," said outgoing Chancellor Jim Dinning. "Bob's long list of accomplishments, his integrity, and his passion for research and education will inspire students, faculty, staff and alumni for generations."

Chancellors serve as representatives of the general public and their interest in the University of Calgary, chair the U of C’s senate, represent the U of C during ceremonial functions, and act as ambassadors in the pursuit of higher education.

"My education at the University of Calgary gave me the solid foundation I needed for my career," said Thirsk. "Serving as chancellor will be an honour and my way of showing my gratitude to students, faculty, staff and alumni. I think the best thing anyone can do is invest in education, and I am looking forward to helping find ways to make a great institution even better."

The relationship between Thirsk and the U of C has lasted for more than 40 years. The former astronaut has received numerous accolades from the institution.

  • Thirsk graduated from the University of Calgary in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Schulich School of Engineering.
  • The post-secondary institution honoured Thirsk with the University of Calgary’s inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award in 1985 citing the astronaut’s achievements with the Canadian Space Agency.
  • In 2009, Thirsk received an honourary doctorate from the university through a satellite uplink while aboard the International Space Station.

"Collaborative, multicultural teamwork skills are the things I think I know something about and I want to add that element to the university experience here for the students and for the community as well,” said Thirsk. “"I'm looking forward to it it's a good fit between my interests in exploration, innovation, and education, and it's a good fit with the University of Calgary's new strategic plan called Eyes High which is focusing on research, learning, and integration with the community.”