Plaque says:
*The Olympic rink in this facility has been named in honour of Canadian businessman,
Winter Olympic gold-medalist and dedicated UCC Old Boy
GEORGE EDWARD MARA
George Mara’s accomplishments in the world of hockey began at the College, from which he graduated in 1941. He participated as a member of the Toronto Marlboros and was affiliated with both the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers. Following active service as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War, he captained the RAF Flyers to a gold medal victory at the 1948
Winter Olympic Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
He joined the family business, the William Mara Company, where he built a successful career as an
importer of wines and spirits, followed by his term as Vice Chairman of annock Ltd.
Throughout his life, he was involved in the creation and operation of many business ventures, boards of directors and charitable organizations, particularly those relating to Canadian sports. He was the founder and inaugural Chairman of the Olympic Trust of Canada, the fundraising arm of the Canadian Olympic Association, which raised millions of dollars to help support Canadian athletes. For many years, he was a Director of Maple Leaf Gardens and briefly served as President. He was named a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his service to sports. He was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame as both an athlete and a builder, and later he was named to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
UCC was always a focus for Mr. Mara’s interest and support. He served on the Principal’s Advisory Council, as Chairman of the Renaissance XXI Capital Campaign and was instrumental in the initiation of this facility. His knowledge of hockey and his passion for UCC informed his advice on future expectations of the game, which is reflected in this building and particularly in the presence of this international rink.
Sadly, he died in 2006 before he could see the building’s completion. However, he showed his commitment to hockey and to the boys of UCC by making a historically important bequest for the development of this facility.
He and his wife Peggy (Roddick) were the parents of Diane and George ’67.
UCC is proud to name the Olympic rink in honour of George Mara, one of the greatest athletes in the history of the College, who served it with loyalty and dedication throughout his life.
May his memory continue to inspire the desire to make a difference and to achieve excellence, always in the presence of humility, humour and grace.*
by Dayngerman
