One of Memorial University�s best known graduates will become the university�s next Chancellor.

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today the appointment of General Rick Hillier as the sixth Chancellor of Memorial University.

"It is with immense pleasure that I announce the appointment of this distinguished individual whose stellar contributions to Canada are widely recognized, not only within our country, but well beyond its borders," said Premier Williams. "I cannot think of a more qualified individual to take on this role, and I look forward to the General's contributions to the province in this regard."

On July 2, General Hillier hands over his appointment as Canada�s Chief of the Defence Staff � the highest ranking position in the Canadian Forces � after an exemplary military career of more than three decades.

"We are honoured that General Hillier has accepted this appointment to serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, in particular our youth," said Premier Williams. "His charisma, intelligence and outstanding ability to serve others will be among some of the outstanding traits he will bring to this role. His service to our country has been nothing short of extraordinary and we wish he and his family well as they enter this new phase of this life."

The appointment is effective July 3, 2008. A formal installation of the new Chancellor will be held during Memorial�s fall convocation in October.

"Memorial University is an outstanding institution with an international reputation for excellence, and we see our new Chancellor moving the university to new and exciting heights," said Premier Williams.

"I am deeply honoured and excited to have been offered the position of Chancellor of Memorial University�an institution established to preserve the memory and sacrifices of Newfoundland and Labrador�s men and women in uniform," said General Hillier. "I am looking forward to reconnecting with the students, faculty and staff of the university from which I, and my wife Joyce, graduated."

The Chancellor is a member of the university�s Board of Regents and the Senate and serves as chairman of convocation. All degrees are conferred by the Chancellor.

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General Rick Hillier was born in Campbellton, Notre Dame Bay. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1973 through the Regular Officer Training Plan program, and graduated from Memorial University in 1975 with a bachelor of science degree.

He joined his first regiment, the 8th Canadian Hussars, and served with and later commanded the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Canada and Germany.

Throughout his more than 30-year military career, he commanded troops within Canada, Europe, Asia and the United States, from the platoon to the multi-national formation level. He also worked as staff officer in several headquarters, including at the strategic level in Ottawa.

General Hillier was appointed in 1998 as the first Canadian Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, US Army in Fort Hood, Texas. Two years later he took command of NATO�s Stabilization Force�s Multinational Division in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

He was appointed as Commander of the Army in May, 2003 and in October that year was selected as the Commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In February, 2005, General Hillier was promoted to the rank of Chief of the Defence Staff, the highest ranking position in the Canadian Forces. On April 15 this year, he announced he would retire from that position this July.