Fall 2009 - Bishop's University

3
Robert graduated in
1996 with a BA in
Political Studies and
lives in Charlottetown.
ROBERT GHIZ
When Robert Ghiz graduated from
Bishop’s, his father Joe Ghiz (Premier
of PEI from 1986-93) joined him on
the dais to receive an honorary degree. It was a
proud day for the family. Not long after Robert’s
father lost his battle to cancer, Robert moved to
Ottawa for a fresh start.
In the nation’s capital Robert worked as a
political aide for Deputy Prime Minister Sheila
Copps before joining the Bank of Nova Scotia
in 1998 as Manager of Government Affairs.
In 2001, Robert served in the office of Prime
Minister Jean Chretien as the Atlantic Canada
Advisor and Special Assistant, as well as Special
Assistant to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.
In April 2003, he returned to his home province
to run for leader of the PEI Liberal Party and
in the same year was elected to represent the
people of District 13, Charlottetown-Rochford
Square, in the Legislative Assembly of PEI.
On May 28, 2007 Robert led his party to
a landslide victory, winning 23 of 27 seats;
his success resulted in the second time in
the history of PEI that a father-son team both
served as Premier. At age 33 Robert became
the youngest serving Premier and the second
youngest in Canadian history.
Reflecting his collegial style, Robert claimed
on election night, “We’re going to move this
province forward over the next four years to
ensure all Islanders get equal treatment.”
On July 15, 2009 Robert and his wife, Dr.
Kate Ellis Ghiz, became proud parents of a baby
girl, Julia Elizabeth, their first child.
Our University’s first Premier, Robert promotes
the Bishop’s experience at every opportunity.
4
Roger graduated in
1993 with a BA in
Political Studies and
lives in Vancouver.
ROGER HARDY
When Ernst & Young named Roger
Hardy the Pacific Entrepreneur of
the Year in 2006, he was called an
innovator. A grand steel T-Rex sculpture in
the foyer of his company illustrates this trait
by suggesting you should leave behind your
prehistoric ideas.
Roger started Coastal Contacts Inc. in 2000
as a two-person operation. The company now
has 177 full-time employees and sales for the
first fiscal quarter reached $31.3 million, an
increase of 24% compared to the year before
and on track to exceed $100 million this year.
Coastal Contacts ships about 1,000,000
orders a year to more than 150 countries. It is the
largest online contact lens seller in Europe and
the second largest globally. The key: competitive
prices, quality products, the convenience of
overnight shipping and exceptional customer
service. Roger’s is the only company, for
instance, to invoice a customer after the lenses
have been ordered and delivered.
Roger’s passion for skiing took him West to
Whistler after graduation. Although his days
playing Gaiter rugby may have passed, he
continues to lead an active life. He goes heliskiing,
mountain biking and surfing when he
isn’t competing for his Division 1 squash team.
He also wins the company dance-off at every
Christmas party.
A proud alumnus, Roger has remained
closely affiliated with his University, attending
and hosting events in Vancouver, establishing a
trust fund, and returning to campus to meet with
students. Coastal Contacts donates $30,000
annually to charities such as the Red Cross and
Big Brothers. Every October the company holds
a clothing drive to gather warm clothes and
blankets to be distributed by the Union Mission
Gospel. In December it also holds a food drive
giving donations to the Vancouver Food Bank.
A member of the Young Presidents’
Organization since 2004, Roger sits on the
membership committee for the Vancouver
YPO chapter. He was named by Business in
Vancouver to the Top Forty under 40.
12 BISHOP'S UNIVERSITY NEWS FALL 2009