Convocation time has always been a season for reflection, and I spent some time thinking during my long flight to China for the ZUFE convocation ceremony. I find myself reflecting on an amazing 2 years I spent as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University, and in particular, about people.
The last decade at Laurentian University has been marked by tremendous growth. Following in the footsteps of Dominic Giroux has been an incredible honour, as well as an opportunity for me to engage with all facets of the university.
These last two years have been marked by the launch of a new strategic plan, by the opening of the Fielding Building and building the new Student Centre, and by tremendous success in research and teaching. But it has also been impacted by tight budgets, shifting government priorities and questions about just what Laurentian is and what it should be.
What stands out in my mind though, as I pack up my office, are the relationships that I have built during that time. There is an exceptional group of individuals at this university who work tirelessly every day to ensure student success and academic excellence. The work we do at Laurentian is critically important and you collectively rise to it with amazing energy and skill.
It will be those moments of joy that I remember, such as when I found out Mathew Dueck is the first Laurentian student to be awarded the prestigious 3M National Student Fellowship, when Kadre Gray was voted USports Male Athlete of the Year in 2018… when Dr. Tammy Eger was selected for the Homeward Bound cohort… or when our women’s curling team won their second National Championship.
I will remember the energetic faces of the members of our team, such as Aaron Langille, Danielle Yasko, and Diane Roy among many others, as they engaged with future students at the Ontario Universities Fair. They embody the Laurentian experience and are truly great ambassadors.
I have been humbled by the work of people such as Shelley Watson and the teaching fellows, by the exceptional research talent embodied by Research Award winners such as Dr. Jackie Litzgus and Dr. Amadeo Parissenti, and the global recognition of the work of Dr. Celeste Pedri-Spade and Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk.
There have been exceptional moments such as the individual conversations I have had with dozens of staff, faculty, students and alumni at ‘coffee with the President’ events, the ‘day in the life’ activities with members of our Marketing and Admissions teams, with orthophonie masters student Valérie Caza and archeologist Dr. Alicia Hawkins and watching our exceptional student leaders using their voice in Senate. This is but a small sample of the moments that I have shared with each of you. I will treasure them and carry them with me moving forward.
The generosity of spirit of Gchi Anishinaabek Hilda Nadjiwon, who patiently taught me so many important lessons about Anishinaabemowin and the rich culture of this region’s First Peoples is something I will treasure always.
There are so many individuals that have supported me throughout this transition period at Laurentian University. The Executive Committee of the Board of Governors is a group of individuals who volunteer their time, and provide a great deal of guidance to our University, for which I will be forever grateful.
In addition, I wish to thank the members of the entire Board of Governors. The camouflaged leaders of our organization: You are incredible members of our community, you volunteer your time and go largely unrecognized by daily operations, but without you, we would not be able to do our jobs. Thank you.
To the Executive Team, thank you for supporting me in this role. Without you, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for being champions of excellence, and for the dedication you bring to Laurentian every day.
I am also eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of my professional life. I have accepted the position of President and CEO of the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick starting September 3, 2019. And I look forward to the challenges and opportunities this will present.
It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve as your Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, I thank each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and your support through my term.
From the bottom of my heart, merci, thank you, and Chi Miigwech.