The Hon. Robert K Rae receives U of T Law Distinguished Alumni Award

The University of Toronto Faculty of Law Alumni Awards biennially recognize the exceptional contributions of valued community members.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the Faculty’s highest honour, recognizing a graduate’s extraordinary public leadership and lifelong commitment to the community.

Past recipients include former The Right Hon. Paul E. P. Martin P.C. (JD 1964), The Hon. Mm. Justice Rosalie Abella (LLB 1970), the late Honourable William (Bill) Graham (LLB 1964) and the Honourable Henry N. R. Jackman ( JD 1956).

The Honourable Robert K. Rae (LLB 1977) serves as Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. He has served in this post since August 4, 2020, and has been active in all aspects of the work of the UN, culminating in his election to the Presidency of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for 2024-2025, the first Canadian to assume this role.

Mr. Rae served as Premiere of Ontario from 1990-1995, and interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from 2011-2013. He was elected to provincial and federal parliaments 11 times between 1978 and 2013 and has been honoured by the alumni of both bodies for his distinguished service.

Mr. Rae received his Honours BA in Modern History from the University of Toronto, a MPhil in Politics as a Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College in Oxford University and graduated from the Faculty of Law at U of T in 1977. He holds numerous honorary doctorates from distinguished Universities around the world and has lent his considerable talents lecturing to students at schools of law, business and global affairs.

Among other notable assignments, Mr. Rae led the restructuring of the Canadian Red Cross, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and chaired the board of the Royal Conservatory of Music. He also wrote Lessons to be Learned on the Air India bombing, and a study of the Ontario higher education system, Ontario: a Leader in Learning.

The U of T Law alumni awardees will be recognized during U of T Alumni Reunion on May 29, 2025. Alumni and colleagues are welcome to attend, and to join us in congratulating the 2024 recipients.

For nomination details or more information, please contact alumni.law@utoronto.ca.