Robert P. Kelly

Doctor of Commerce

For all his forty-three years, Robert Kelly has a long-standing relationship with Saint Mary's, in that he is the second generation of Kellys to attend and graduate from the institution. Twenty-two years ago, he graduated from Saint Mary's with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Accounting, which helped launch him in his financial career.

Since his graduation in 1975, he has never looked back. Three years after graduation, he earned his Chartered Accountancy designation, and in 1986, a Master of Business Administration degree from the City University, London, England. Last year, he was made a Fellow Chartered Accountant and now carries the designation FCA.

While many individuals move from one company to another acquiring diverse skills, this was not the case for Mr. Kelly. He started at the Toronto Dominion Bank (Canada's fifth largest domestic bank) in 1981, and has quietly and quickly moved up the ladder of success. For instance, in 1981, he was Senior Inspector, International Inspection Division, Head Office, Toronto; three years later, the Manager of Finance, Middle East and African Division, London, England; 1986, Manager, Capital Markets, London, England; 1987, Assistant General Manager, Capital Markets - Canada Corporate and Investment Banking Group, Toronto; 1988, General Manager, Capital Markets; 1989, General Manager, Capital Markets and Fixed Incomes; 1990, Senior Vice President (Atlantic Division), Halifax; 1992, Senior Vice President (Deputy Division Head), Finance and Control Division, Toronto; 1993, Executive Vice President, Finance; and in 1996, was made Vice Chairperson. In the latter capacity, he has the responsibility for the Toronto Dominion's 900-plus Canadian branches, which employ over 15,000 individuals.

His directorships include TD Securities Inc. He is also a Trustee of the Art Gallery of Ontario. He also has been involved as the Chairman of the Capital Campaign for the YMCA (Metro Toronto); the Conference Board (US) - Council of Financial Services CFOs; and is a member of the Fitness Institute, the Granite Club, the Halifax Club and the York Club.

"From my perspective, Saint Mary's delivered a solid foundation in business theory, taught by some truly outstanding professionals, and in the process, they helped me establish some life-long friends," says Kelly about his continued involvement with the University. He actively supports varsity football and is a past member of the University's Board of Governors.

Married for fifteen years to Rose (a Dalhousie graduate), they have two children, Brad (11 years) and Elsie (8 years). In his spare time, he enjoys tennis, curling and cycling.

A Doctor of Commerce (honoris causa) will be conferred on him at the afternoon Convocation.