Chancellor Jim Leech will receive an honorary degree from RMC for his business, volunteer, and academic achievements at the 116th Convocation on Nov. 15. Leech is a graduate of both RMC and Queen’s.

During his time at Queen’s, Leech completed a Master’s of Business Administration, graduating top of his class in 1973. He became Chancellor of the University in 2014, and will hold that position until 2021.

Leech completed his undergraduate degree at RMC, earning a Bachelor of Science in Honours Mathematics and Physics, graduating in ‘68. Between degrees, Leech served in the Royal 22nd Regiment in Germany with NATO forces.

Current chief executive of the Mastercard Foundation, Leech is a retired president and CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension, one of the largest pension funds in the world. He also served as a special advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for establishing Canada’s infrastructure bank. He’s worked with the True Patriot Love Foundation and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He has also ventured to the Magnetic North Pole to aid veterans with PTSD, collecting funds and promoting awareness of the disorder.

In acknowledgment of his accomplishments, Leech was placed on the RMC’s Wall of Honour in 2017. Leech, along with 32 military alumni from Canada, are the only ones to be awarded this honour.