Dawn Johnston is an Associate Dean at the University of Calgary. She provides leadership in teaching, learning and student engagement for the Faculty of Arts. Dawn and I are kindred spirits in that we both advocate for interdisciplinary programs at our university, such as the Arts and Science Honours Academy. Dawn also oversees research and […]
On Monday afternoon we held the convocation ceremony for the 2017 University of Calgary graduates in Medicine, Law, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine. In addition to celebrating our new graduates, we also awarded Jo-Ann Munn Gafuik (a longtime and stalwart staff member of our university) with the Order of the University of Calgary and Senator Murray […]
Even though we graduated 41 years ago, I stay in touch with fellow mechanical engineering classmates from the University of Calgary. We met up last evening at Juree’s Thai Place Restaurant to meet Janet Le, one of two recipients of this year’s Dan Mercier Class of 1976 Engineering Award. This annual get together is also […]
One section of my curriculum vitae lists the organizations of which I am or was once a member. There is one organization, however, that I do not mention. Although not listed, I am proud to have been a member of The Troublemakers Club. When I was a young astronaut at the National Research Council in […]
Today I am wrapping up another satisfying week of chancellor activity at the University of Calgary. I so much enjoy the role. Each day on campus puts me in touch with stalwart citizens, inspiring students and cutting-edge researchers. For example, this week I telecon’d with the chancellors from Alberta’s two other major universities to discuss […]
Last Tuesday evening (Feb. 7) I attended the presentation of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Awards. This ceremony, held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, is an annual event that showcases the significance and brilliance of the natural sciences and engineering research taking place in Canada. For me, it was an […]
The conferring of honorary doctorates (Doctor of Laws, honoris causa) at convocation is a satisfying duty for a University of Calgary chancellor. An honorary degree is the highest honour awarded by our institution. It is our way to profile extraordinary individuals as well as the level of excellence to which we all aspire. Our Senators […]
Last week I attended the presentation of the Governor General’s Literary Awards. This ceremony, held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, is an annual event that celebrates the best in Canadian literature. Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, the GGLAs are Canada’s oldest and most prestigious literary awards. His Excellency the Right Honourable David […]
On Thursday morning we held the convocation ceremony for the fall 2016 University of Calgary graduates in Medicine, Environmental Design, Business, Kinesiology, Nursing, Engineering and Science. During this ceremony, we also conferred the Order of the University of Calgary on Dr. Janice Heard. The Order honours individuals who have provided significant and distinguished service to […]
I am delighted to see a public service announcement about explorer David Thompson that has been aired repeatedly during prime time on CBC TV. Rick Hansen (the Man in Motion) narrates the short vignette. This is what he says: “In 1788, David Thompson was working for Hudson’s Bay Company when he suffered an accident, breaking […]