The Eaton Lecture is made possible through the generous support of Fredrik S. Eaton, chancellor of UNB from 1993 to 2003, and the Catherine and Fredrik Eaton Charitable Foundation.
Dr. Eaton’s long-held interest in military history and studies led to the creation of this series, which is presented by UNB’s Gregg Centre for the Study of War and Society.
Launched in 2012, the Eaton Lecture is focused on Canadian military history and stewardship. Speakers and topics for the lecture will be chosen to complement the Gregg Centre’s mandate to study the nature of conflict and its impact on the world. The Eaton Lecture seeks to promote public dialogue on issues pertaining to the international phenomenon of war.
The Eaton Lecture is also supported by John K. F. Irving.
Dr. Eaton served as chancellor of the University of New Brunswick for ten years (1993-2003), and is highly regarded by the university community for his enthusiastic support of scholarly and athletic pursuits and his keen interest in military history.
During his decade as UNB’s highest-profile representative, Dr. Eaton and his wife Catherine (Nicky) attended and hosted countless UNB functions, returning often to New Brunswick for graduation ceremonies and other special events.
A UNB alumnus, Dr. Eaton received a bachelor of arts degree in 1962 and an honorary doctor of laws in 1983.
Dr. Eaton is the great-grandson of Timothy Eaton, founder of Eaton’s department store. Following his graduation from UNB, Dr. Eaton joined the family business, T. Eaton Company Ltd., and worked in Victoria; London, England; and Toronto in a variety of positions. He was appointed a director of the company in 1967 and became president and director of Eaton’s of Canada Ltd. in 1969. In 1977, he was made president and chief executive officer of Eaton’s and became chairperson of the T. Eaton Company Ltd. in 1988.
Throughout his career, Dr. Eaton received numerous accolades, both in Canada and abroad. In 1990, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for having contributed to many aspects of Canadian life and, in 2001, he was awarded the Order of Ontario for his contributions to health care and the arts. From 1991 to 1994, he served as Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Dr. Eaton is chairman of White Raven Capital Corp. and a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Encouragement of the Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce.
