David Johnston, a 69-year-old career academic, was sworn in Friday as Canada’s 28th governor general since Canadian Confederation in 1867 on Parliament Hill, to take over from the departing Michaelle Jean.

Johnston took the oath of office within the red walls of the ornate Senate chamber, surrounded by former governors general, former prime ministers and other dignitaries.

In his first official address as governor general, Johnston said that he intends to support families and children, to reinforce learning and innovation, and to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism during his five-year tenure at Rideau Hall, the official residence of governor general.

Johnston, a husband, father of five and grandfather of seven, was praised by Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his service to government, the academic community and his country.

“David Johnston has been driven by the intense belief that service is not merely an option. It is a duty, an obligation of the heart that honor compels a man to accept,” Harper said at the start of the ceremony.

Johnston had a long and successful career in academia and previously served as the president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo since 1999 as well as on many provincial and federal task forces and committees, and on the board of a number of companies.

His academic specializations include securities regulation, corporation and information technology and law.

The installation of Johnston as Canada’s new governor general will be the first time that a male has taken the job at Rideau Hall this century, following Jean’s five-year term, and before her, the six-year term of Adrienne Clarkson.

Johnston was born on June 28, 1941, in Sudbury, Ontario, and is married to Dr. Sharon Johnston.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Harvard University in 1959, a Bachelor of Laws in the University of Cambridge in 1965 and another from Queen’s University in 1966.