Laurier board member Jillian Swartz honoured with 2021 Distinguished Governor Award

July 21, 2021

Jillian Swartz has been awarded Wilfrid Laurier University’s Distinguished Governor Award in recognition of her service to the university.

Since joining Laurier’s Board of Governors in 2012, Swartz has served as both a community at large member and lieutenant-governor-in-council member and filled several leadership roles, including board chair, vice-chair and treasurer. Distinct from her work at Laurier, Swartz is a partner with the law firm Allen McDonald Swartz LLP, which specializes in corporate law, capital market transactions and securities law.

“It is a pleasure to congratulate Jillian Swartz on receiving the Distinguished Governor Award this year,” says Board of Governors chair Lynda Hawton Kitamura. “Jillian’s passion for Laurier, along with her legal expertise, have directly contributed to the success of both the board and Laurier. Jillian’s thoughtful, balanced and progressive approach and dedication of nine years are deeply appreciated.”

The Distinguished Governor Award recognizes Board of Governors members, past and present, who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to the board and who have made a significant contribution to the life and development of the university during a minimum of two three-year terms. The award is traditionally presented during Laurier convocation ceremonies, but recent ceremonies have been postponed due to COVID-19.

As board chair, Swartz supported the presidential transition from Max Blouw to Deborah MacLatchy in 2017 and has since served as an advisor to MacLatchy on key initiatives, including the pursuit of a Milton campus and development of a Statement on Freedom of Expression. Swartz also supported the transition to a new university secretary in 2018.

As chair of the board’s buildings and property committee and its real estate working group, Swartz explored ways to streamline future real estate and property development and prepared a report and recommendations to the board. As chair of the governance committee, she focused on enhancing diversity and governance practices within the Board of Governors.

Swartz has also served on several other board committees including human resources and compensation; pension; executive and governance; audit and compliance; development; and finance and investments. She has also served on Senate, as well as search committees for president, university secretary and vice-president of finance and administration.

“I feel truly honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the university as a member of its Board of Governors for the past nine years,” says Swartz. “As an alumna, I know first-hand the significant impact that Laurier’s faculty and staff have on its students. I am very fortunate to have been able to work alongside an extraordinary group of board members and members of the senior leadership team who make Laurier such an inspiring place.”

Swartz graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree with Distinction from Laurier in 1991. At the time, she was recognized with the Laurier Leaders of Tomorrow Award.