Vice-Principal (Advancement) George Hood, who has raised more than $300 million for the University, will retire at the end of December.
“I’ve always had this date in mind,” Hood said. “I decided that this was great timing.”
Hood has two degrees from Queen’s and has also worked as vice-principal (research). “We’ve built a tremendous organization … achieved things I never thought possible.” Hood wouldn’t say what his plans are for the future, but said he’s looking over his options. “Now I’ve got some other things that I’d like to do,” he said. “So I’m going to catch my breath first and foremost, but then I’ll go do them.”
Hood said he’s proud of his record in this position. “[We’ve] done some wonderful things, taken a very different approach than other Canadian universities,” he said. “I think the successes speak for themselves.”
Principal Karen Hitchcock said the University anticipated Hood’s decision to retire. “When he renewed his term, I believe it was in 2004, with former Principal [William] Leggett … he had let him know at the time he would only stay through the midpoint,” she said. “[Hood has] contributed tremendously. He has been here for many years and I think he probably thought it was time to look afresh at other things,” she said. “He leaves a tremendous legacy of commitment of resources.”
Also retiring this year is Tom Morrow, associate vice-principal (operations and facilities).
—With files from Lisa Jemison and Anna Mehler Paperny
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