Robert Thirsk, former astronaut, elected University of Calgary chancellor

The University of Calgary has chosen former Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk as the schools 13th chancellor.

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The universitys senate unanimously electedThirskto the position on Friday for a four-year term.

Thirsk, 60, graduated from the U of C with an engineering degree in 1976 before going on to MIT for a masters degree.

He completed a doctorate in medicine atMcGillUniversity in 1982 and joined the Canadian Astronaut Program the following year.

During along career with the Canadian Space Agency, Thirsk spent more time in orbit than any other Canadian. His passion for space, research and education has engaged many Canadian young people in science, the university said in a release.

Thirsk was given anhonorary degree from the Universityof Calgary in 2009 during a live satellite uplink with the International Space Station, where he stayed for six months.

A Calgary school was also named after Thirsk.

• VIDEO | Robert Thirsk goes back to school

As chancellor, Thirsk will represent the university at ceremonial occasions, preside over convocation ceremonies and confer degrees on behalf of the Senate.

He replaces Jim Dinning, whose term expires this year.

Thirsk became an officer of the Order of Canada earlier this week.