John G. Keith

Doctor of Commerce

Jack Keith exemplifies the spirit of Saint Mary's by always giving back to the community. When Jack Keith received the Order of Canada in 1993, he was described as a "banker with large reserves of social conscience". He received this honor for his outstanding volunteerism in education, the arts and cancer fundraising.

Keith, a Stellarton, Nova Scotia native has worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for over 40 years and during his career he has held several domestic and international postings in London, New York and Jamaica. He has held his present appointment as Senior vice-president of the Atlantic Region since 1986. But he has always believed that banks have to give more than just money, they should also give their time.

His contributions to the community, including the Saint Mary's community have been immense. Her served as Chairman of the Board of Governors at Saint Mary's during the very difficult times of rationalization and he represented the University in negotiations that led to the Halifax Consortium.

Keith served as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors, Chairman of the Finance Committee and the Major Gifts Division and a member of the Executive Committee and the Investment Committee. He was awarded the Honorary Gold "M" in 1997 by the Saint Mary's Student Association which is given to a non-student in recognition of their contribution to student affairs.

Other positions Mr. Keith has held include President of the Halifax Club, Chairman of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, Chairman of the Nova Scotia Committee of the Canadian Bankers Association and Chairman of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia where he has been named Honorary Governor (for life). He is currently Chairman of the Halifax Millennium Committee. He has also served on several other boards and committees.

His contributions to the Saint Mary's community and the Halifax community have earned him an Honourary Doctor of Commerce.