John Rae, Arts’67, studied politics and economics at Queen 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s and was also the editor of the Queen 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s Journal. Mr. Rae 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s first job after graduating from Queen 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s was Executive Assistant to a young MP (and future prime minister) named Jean Chrétien. He was the chairman for Mr. Chrétien 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s 1984 and 1990 leadership campaigns, and coordinated the Liberal Party 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s national campaigns in the 1993, 1997, and 2000 federal elections.
In 1971, Mr. Rae joined Power Corporation of Canada as an Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO. In 1991, after several promotions, he was appointed as Executive Vice-President. In addition to his position with Power Corporation, Mr. Rae holds directorships of BNP-Paribas (Canada), Fednav Limited, McGill University Health Centre Foundation, and the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation.
In 2006, Mr. Rae was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada, in recognition of his visionary leadership and work in his community.
Despite his busy life, Mr. Rae 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s connection to Queen 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s has never wavered. It is that spirit that has seen him volunteer and give back in many different ways – from serving as a member and chair of the Board of Trustees, helping with fundraising campaigns and currently being on the cabinet of the Initiative Campaign. Through his support of student financial assistance, the new Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts, and the J.A Corry Trust, Mr. Rae has enhanced our students’ learning experiences.
In November 2013, Mr. Rae received the John Orr Award from the Toronto Branch of the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Alumni Association in recognition of his dedication and support of the Queen 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s community. He is truly one of the many Queen 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s thinkers and doers making a difference in the world today.
