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| New Presidential Roles: Interim and Emeritus |
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Interim President Dr. Keith Cassidy & President Emeritus Dr. David B. Warner
OLSWA President Dr. David B. Warner, who has so notably energized the OLSWA community and led it to a new level of achievement, has been forced by a relapse of multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) to take early retirement from full-time academic administration, effective July 31. Recently installed Academic Dean, Dr. Keith Cassidy, will assume the additional role of Interim President. A vigorous international search for a new President is underway, details of which can be found on our website. Dr. Warner made the difficult decision to retire after much prayerful medical and spiritual consultation, and it was accepted with reluctance by the Board. He has accepted the honourary title of President Emeritus, and will continue to act as an advisor and ambassador for the Academy. Dr. Warner will be returning to the United States by November, where he will be able to continue to advance the interests of the institution to which he has devoted so much love and labour.
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Interim President Dr. Keith Cassidy & President Emeritus Dr. David B. Warner
Dr. Warner made the difficult decision to retire after much prayerful medical and spiritual consultation, and it was accepted with reluctance by the Board. He has accepted the honourary title of President Emeritus, and will continue to act as an advisor and ambassador for the Academy. Dr. Warner will be returning to the United States by November, where he will be able to continue to advance the interests of the institution to which he has devoted so much love and labour.
On April 7, Dr. Warner had offered Dr. Cassidy the deanship, which
he enthusiastically accepted. Dr. Cassidy has served as a university
History professor for forty years, the last thirty-five of them at the
University of Guelph. While at Guelph he established a notable record
of achievement in service to the faculty and became a recognized expert
in the area of policy development. In 2004 he was the first recipient
at Guelph of the Dedicated Service Award, presented by the Canadian
Association of University Teachers. 
Dr. Cassidy Addresses Students at 2009 OLSWA Graduation
As a scholar Dr. Cassidy has focused on the history of the pro-life movement and has presented numerous papers and published many articles on this topic. In addition, he was a founder and the first President of the Catholic Civil Rights League. He has been an external member of the OLSWA’s Academic Senate since its inception in May of 2006, and was our Commencement speaker in 2007. He has also served for six years an External Senator for Redeemer University College.
As Academic Dean he is expected to devote his time and energies
primarily to the tasks of pursuing accreditation for the Academy and
developing faculty and administrative policies in support of that goal.
Having become Interim President he has many new tasks, most notably
continuing Dr. Warner’s strengthening of our administration, academics,
support base, and overall institutional advancement. Dr. Cassidy comments on the transition: “The Academy owes Dr. Warner and his family much, and our prayers are with them. Supporters of OLSWA can expect that my time in office will emphasise continuity with his vision: the unrelenting quest for excellence, the development of the Academy’s facilities and academic resources, the promotion of its reputation in Canada and abroad, and the expansion of its base of support. As well I will continue my work on the preparation of our application for degree-granting status. In carrying out these tasks I will have the benefit of Dr. Warner’s knowledge and wise counsel. More than that, I am comforted by the support of an extraordinary community, whose members live their faith with a rare depth and sincerity. This is truly an inspiring place, and my wife Elizabeth and I feel privileged to be here. This position is the culmination of my career, not an afterthought: I believe that the Academy has a vital role to play in invigorating the Church and renewing our country and I am honoured to be a part of it.”
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The Acting Chair of the OLSWA Board of Directors, Richard Sauro, told
VERITAS: “Over the course of two years with us, Dr. Warner will have
made an enormous contribution to the life of our community. His
tireless work, uncompromising vision, and skillful leadership pushed
the Academy into a prominence never before achieved, and has earned it
a high measure of respect and recognition. While his presence on campus
will be sorely missed, we are grateful that he accepted our request to
become President Emeritus. We will have a counsellor and spokesman who
is deeply devoted to the Academy and its welfare. We are most grateful
for all that he has done, and offer our sympathy and support to Dr.
Warner and his family at this very difficult time.”
