The founding dean of Thompson Rivers University’s Faculty of Law, Chris Axworthy, has died.
A former Attorney General of Saskatchewan with a prestigious career in politics and teaching law, Axworthy came to TRU to establish the university’s law school in May of 2010.
Prior to that, he taught law at the University of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University, University of Saskatchewan and University of Manitoba; at the latter, he was professor and dean of the law school.
On Sept. 6, 2011, Axworthy was joined by TRU administrators, local politicians and other officials in opening the law school, which welcomed 75 students in its first year.
“Today we mark the official opening of the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law and begin a journey that seeks to redefine both the study and practice of law in Canada,” he said at the time.
Axworthy said establishing a professional school such as a faculty of law is a significant development for the academic programming for any university.
“Importantly, for Kamloops and the Interior of B.C., is that lawyers remain in the city where they went to law school for the duration of their careers. We hope many of our future graduates will stay in the Kamloops area, helping contribute to the community and providing everyone with critical access to legal services when they need them,” he said.
Axworthy left TRU in July of 2013, but is still remembered for the difference he made at the university. He was 76.
Faculty members remember him fondly. Professor Katie Sykes shared her thoughts: “Chris was a visionary leader who built a law school committed to delivering the best tradition of legal education in a new context. He convinced me to come to Kamloops and join the faculty because it was so exciting to be part of his mission.
“Today, TRU Law is known today for punching above its weight, for its pioneering spirit, for the strong sense of community among our students and alumni, and for our resilience in the face of challenges. That’s the attitude that Chris ensured was built into this law school’s DNA from the start. TRU Law definitely would not be what it is without everything that he put into it.”
Mary Hemmings, the first law librarian, recounts: “Chris believed in excellence. He was quick to encourage faculty, staff and above all, students. He was impish, maddening, charming, smart, clever, devious, determined…. and a Law Library champion.”
