Saint Mary’s University is proud to welcome Lawrence (Larry) Freeman, Q.C., as the new Chair of the Saint Mary's University Board of Governors.
A well-known Halifax lawyer, Freeman has dedicated much of his time and expertise to organizations in Nova Scotia. He has provided countless hours of public service and has been involved with numerous causes and associations that help to improve the lives of Nova Scotians.
“It is an honour for me to be elected Chair of the Board of Governors of Saint Mary’s University,” said Freeman. “To be a part of the next phase of this institution’s future is both a gift and a responsibility that I cherish. I look forward to working with the board and senior leadership to continue to grow the university and empower future generations of Santamarians.”
Freeman has a strong commitment to community and is involved in a variety of local and national organizations and charities. In addition to his role with the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors, Freeman is a member of the Community Leadership Advisory Council, and a board member of the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Among his accolades, Freeman was named Queen’s Counsel in 2002.
“Saint Mary’s University is proud to welcome Larry Freeman as our new Board Chair,” said Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Larry brings a wealth of experience to the position and has shown a strong commitment to the values of our university. I want to thank him for his continuing dedication to our institution.”
Freeman joined the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors in 2008 and has previously served as Vice-Chair.
Freeman is a partner with Atlantic Canada’s first and largest regional law firm, Stewart McKelvey, one of the 20 largest law firms in Canada. Freeman has been providing counsel to clients for more than 40 years in the areas of banking and financing, commercial lending and corporate and business law, as well as commercial real estate acquisitions, sales and leasing. He has been involved in project financing, both inside and outside of Canada. A graduate of Dalhousie University, Freeman received his Bachelor of Commerce in 1970 and his Bachelor of Laws in 1973.
Retiring Chair Karen Oldfield Q.C., ICD.D, has contributed significantly to the university during her more than 22 years of service on the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors. A loyal and dedicated Santamarian (BA’82), Oldfield was elected Chair of the Board of Governors in 2016. The University is grateful to Oldfield for all she has done during her tenure.