I Remember Laurier: Reflections by Retirees on Life at WLU

37. Remembering Maureen Forrester

T he circumstances that prompted wlu to invite maureen Forrester to assume the role of university chancellor in the 1980s had much to do with Dr. John Weir’s vision of the university. He was an economist by training and the former chair of Economics in the School of Business and Economics; but when he became vice-president: academic in the 1970s he was concerned that the increasing prominence of the school within the university might diminish the visibility of other faculties and departments. I arrived at Laurier in 1978, having served as a department chair in the Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario. The first dean of the Faculty of Music at Laurier, Christine Mather, issued the invitation to me to come to WLU and teach music history. When she chose to accept an appointment in Victoria, B.C., in 1979, Dr. Weir saw me as a person with at least a sliver of administrative experience and asked me to serve as acting dean for the year while a search was undertaken . After a few months of “acting,” I decided to add my name to the search and was appointed dean in 1980, the same year Dr. Weir became president succeeding Dr. Neale Tayler. It was then that I started sensing Dr. Weir’s unease concerning the imbalance of programs that appeared to be developing. He started hinting that music served as a kind of counterbalance to business. After all, singing and music generally were an integral part of the Lutheran traditions at the root of the institution. Chapter 37  Remembering Maureen Forrester gordon greene 202 At that time the Faculty of Music occupied the MacDonald Hall residence with a classroom portable out back. A new building was needed if the program were to flourish. Chancellor John Black Aird’s extensive connections in the political and financial world helped raise the funds, the new building was completed, and his name was assigned to the edifice .As Mr.Aird’s successor as chancellor Dr.Weir and the Board of Governors chose Maureen Forrester, who at the time was serving as chair of the Canada Council. This was another significant, though subtle, effort to create breadth and balance in Laurier’s programs. Ms. Forrester was no stranger to Laurier, having conducted vocal workshops for Victor Martens’ and David Falk’s exceptional singing students for several years. Though serious, disciplined work had been required for the career she had developed as a world-renowned mezzo, she had a free, spontaneous, often jocular attitude about her role as chancellor. At meetings of the Board of Governors Ms. Forrester was a delightfully exuberant spirit. While serving in the chancellor’s role at convocations she often chatted with graduates as their turn came to appear before her. Dr. Weir must have found her puzzling, perhaps intimidating at times, since he asked me to drive her to convocation ceremonies that were then held in the Kitchener Auditorium. He excused himself saying, “Gordon, you would be a better conversation partner than I could manage to be.” Naming the new recital hall after Maureen Forrester was a matter of great pride for faculty members in music.We had all argued forcibly that facilities for music required special acoustical treatment, hence,“Let’s not build until we know it will be done properly.” There were troublesome issues such as the close proximity to University Avenue’s traffic noise. Dr. Weir agreed with our insistence that when CBC recording technicians came to test the recital hall the noise meter must read zero.And that goal was accomplished. Ms. Forrester, while performing an inaugural recital, expressed her pleasure at having her name on the fine new hall. Does her association with Laurier end there? Not at all. An unfortunate array of circumstances compounded to create a further very significant association. She became ill and about the year 2000 was unable to continue performing. Throughout her life she had been so supportive of and generous toward arts organizations of all kinds, as well as individual artists, that she was essentially broke. Since their mother needed gordon greene 203 constant care, her five children agreed that the best arrangement was a nursing home. In an effort to assist with the cost as well as preserve their mother’s library and the awards and documents acquired during her stellar career, they searched for a purchaser. After one or two...