In Memoriam: UCalgary 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’81, was a champion for the University of Calgary from the beginning, having been actively engaged with the school during its formative years and then serving as UCalgary’s first female chancellor. Even before being elected chancellor in 1974, Kovitz served as a member of the University of Calgary 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’s passion for UCalgary and, in particular, her commitment to strengthening the relationship between the university and the community — to “marry town and gown,” as she would say.

“Her greatest contribution as chancellor was breaking the glass ceiling and paving the way for other women in Calgary and elsewhere to work in industries that were primarily male-dominated,” says Jeff.

Her commitment to academic excellence, and to UCalgary, can still be felt to this day, and will continue to benefit generations to come. In 1980, Kovitz established the Muriel Kovitz Prize, 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 UCalgary Chancellor Deborah Yedlin credits Kovitz as a trailblazer.

“I am honoured to follow in Muriel’s footsteps,” says Yedlin, who became UCalgary’s fourth female chancellor in 2018. “Not 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 UCalgary and beyond — 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’s legacies to the university; Kovitz and her husband, Dr. David Kovitz, DDS, gifted the traditional convocation mace that's been used at each UCalgary graduation ceremony since 1979.

It’s an apt symbol of her legacy, ushering new graduates into the next chapter of their lives — many of whom will become community leaders and advocates, like Kovitz herself.

Donations can be made in Kovitz’s name to the Muriel Kovitz Prize, and her full obituary can be read in the Calgary Herald.