To the class of 2018…
My four-year term as Chancellor of the University of Calgary will end later this month. It was a privilege to serve my home university, to gain a deeper understanding of […]
Looking back on four years as Chancellor
My four-year term as Chancellor of the University of Calgary is coming to an end. It has been an enjoyable ride. Many people think of the chancellor solely as the […]
Failure: a critical element on the path to success
Several years ago, when I was a novice astronaut, I was asked to participate in a training simulation. The training session lasted about eight hours and involved mission managers, flight […]
Why I nominated David Naylor
Last month we held the convocation ceremonies for the 2017 University of Calgary autumn graduates. During the morning ceremony, we also conferred an honorary degree on David Naylor, a respected […]
Remembering Leonard Cohen
Last evening a concert was held to celebrate the life, songs and poetry of Leonard Cohen. Entitled Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen, the concert brought closure […]
International Space University’s Space Studies Program: a path to a career in space
Congratulations to Maliyat and TJ for determining that I was in Cork, Ireland earlier this month to participate in International Space University (ISU)’s Space Studies Program (SSP). I’ll put signed […]
Where am I?
I went for a walk yesterday (see the red track below). I’ll provide a signed photo to the first person who can state where I am and why I am […]
Retiring UCalgary Senator Gord Aker kept wheel of progress accelerating
Gord Aker has been a stalwart University of Calgary volunteer. For six years he held a variety of leadership positions within Senate, and mentored several students and new senators. Most […]
Music from The Planets that launched a career
Last weekend the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performed two concerts featuring The Planets by Gustav Holst. The concerts also served as the Calgary conducting debut of the CPO’s new music director, […]
Nominating Dr. Bill Pulleyblank for an honorary degree was a ‘no brainer’ for former colleagues and professor
Last Thursday we held the convocation for the 2017 University of Calgary graduates in Kinesiology and Science. During this ceremony, we also conferred an honorary degree on William Pulleyblank, an […]