George Brown College recently issued the following announcement.

Toronto lawyer and community leader Noella Milne will be installed as George Brown College’s Chancellor this spring.

The George Brown community will celebrate the official start of Milne’s three-year term at her installation ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2019. Milne’s appointment follows that of Sally Horsfall Eaton in 2012 as George Brown College’s inaugural Chancellor and the first at an Ontario college.

“Noella’s personal story and her passion for people – especially young people – makes her a tremendous role model to students and the perfect choice for Chancellor,” said Anne Sado, President of George Brown College. “She will be a wonderful representative for us.”

Milne came to Canada alone from Mumbai, India when she was 17. She worked during the day and attended classes at night to earn a college diploma and then a university degree. Her hard work led her to law school and eventually the position of senior partner at Borden, Ladner Gervais (BLG).

A strong connection to George Brown College

Milne has a 15-year relationship with George Brown College, serving consecutive terms on our Board of Governors (2003 – 2009) and our Foundation Board (2010 – 2018). She's made donations to the college, including one that funds a scholarship named after her late sister, Lorna D’Souza, aimed at single mothers.

“Perhaps the students will be able to see themselves in me. I’m looking forward to interacting with them as much as possible,” says Milne. “When I walk through the campuses and feel the energy of the very diverse student body, I see the diversity of our wonderful city reflected in the faces of our students.”

Professional success and community service

As an active volunteer throughout her career, Milne has always been a champion for young people.

She is a member of the Order of Ontario Advisory Council, on the Advisory Board of the Children’s Aid Foundation, former President and Honorary Life Director of the Canadian Club, Immediate Past Chair of UNICEF Canada and a past member of the Board of Directors for St. Michael’s Hospital, the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and the Ontario Science Centre, among others. She also continues to mentor young lawyers and women through the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) and the Children’s Aid Society.

And here’s a look at honours Milne has received:

Appointed to the Order of Ontario

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal

RBC Top 25 Immigrant Award, recognizing inspirational immigrants who have achieved success and made a positive difference

Named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN

YWCA Women of Distinction award

Lifetime Achievement Award from the Children’s Aid Foundation and

Arbor Award from the University of Toronto

Original source: https://www.georgebrown.ca/news/george-brown-college-announces-new-chancellor-noella-milne/