Initiation of Honorary International Member

I journeyed to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada last week to assist in the initiation of Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada. Her Excellency was voted into membership last year but they were not able to schedule her initiation until this month.

The Governor General is appointed by Queen Elizabeth II and administers the powers of the Crown in Canada. She carries out the duties of Head of State and presides over the swearing in of the Prime Minister of Canada, the Chief Justice, and the cabinet ministers. She is Commander – in – Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. She receives Royal Visitors, Heads of State and Foreign Dignitaries. She accepts the credentials of Ambassadors and High Commissioners appointed by their governments to embassies and missions in Canada.

We were limited by the schedulers in the number of members who would be able to attend. It was my pleasure to be invited to participate in the ceremony along with Morag Gundy 2008-2010 Canadian Area Representative and Sheila MacKay 2006-2008 Canadian Area Representative. Others in attendance were committee members Janet Gollan and Agnes Moynihan, Quebec President Maria Tucci, Kappa members Ardyth Elliott, and Carole Schmidt.

Morag Gundy gathered the group at her home the night before to practice the ceremony, eat a delicious buffet dinner and get acquainted with each other. Because of the transportation strike in Ottawa, we spent the night there so that we would be sure to arrive at Rideau Hall, home of the Governor General, on time. This was an "international slumber party." We toured Rideau Hall, home of the Governor General, prior to the initiation ceremony.

Our work with the Society provides so many special and unique opportunities for all of us. Her Excellency was most personable and very interested in and supportive of education. I was proud to represent all of our members at this important event.

Initiating honorary members is a great way to honor a friend of education and promote the image of the Society. Has your chapter or state initiated an honorary member? If not, why not? Create the Buzz!

Carolyn