P.Eng., OC, AOE, FCAE
B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, UBC (1967)
In recognition of his exemplary leadership in building and championing thriving industry, communities and academic excellence in Canada, and his long service to the profession of Chemical Engineering. Among Canada’s most influential engineers, Eric Newell rose to leadership positions within Imperial Oil Canada, and then served as President and CEO of Syncrude Canada Ltd., as well as chair of its board of directors. He later served as the 18th chancellor of the University of Alberta and as president of the Alberta Chamber of Resources, where he helped establish paths and programs for young Canadians to gain employment in skilled trades and key manufacturing and technological sectors. Eric Newell is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence, and holds honorary doctorates from the University of British Columbia, as well as from other Canadian Universities. The Energy Council of Canada recognized Eric as its 2003 Person of the Year, and he was inducted into the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame in 2020.