In her professional life, Claire Kennedy helps clients navigate complex tax and business issues – skills she drew on during her many years as a member and then chair of the University of Toronto’s Governing Council.
“The University of Toronto has been incredibly fortunate to have someone as skilled and accomplished as Claire Kennedy serving on Governing Council for the past nine years, including four as its chair,” U of T President Meric Gertler told U of T News in 2021, at the conclusion of Kennedy’s term as chair. “We are forever grateful for her exemplary service to the university community.”
A chemical engineer and a lawyer, Kennedy is one of the co-chairs – along with John Cassaday, Brian Lawson and Som Seif – of the university’s Defy Gravity fundraising campaign, leading a coalition of volunteers devoted to inspiring the highest level of support for advancing U of T’s excellence and aspirations.
Now, in recognition of her expertise as one of Canada’s leading tax lawyers, and for her outstanding service to U of T as an advocate and volunteer, Kennedy receives a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from U of T.
Kennedy earned a bachelor of applied science degree in chemical engineering from U of T in 1989, then graduated with an LLB from Queen’s University in 1994. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1996.
Read the full U of T News story and watch Claire Kennedy’s speech to graduating students.