One of my privileges as Chancellor is to work closely with a group of students at the University of Calgary known as Chancellor’s Scholars. These are extraordinary students who not only demonstrate academic excellence but also community involvement. For example, some of these students have helped raise money to fight poverty and homelessness, built a health clinic for a village in the Amazon jungle and performed research to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. These amazing students raise the quality of learning and our standard of excellence at the University of Calgary.
Each month I get together with the Chancellor’s Scholars in a seminar setting. I invite esteemed guests to meet with the students – guests who are prominent leaders from Calgary and who are graciously willing to share their career experiences with the students.
Today we had the privilege to meet Mr. Adam Johnson, the resident conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Johnson is a young, accomplished and inspirational musician. He has made the most of his career opportunities. On his career path to the podium of the CPO, he had to overcome many obstacles.
The students asked many thoughtful questions that provided insight into Adam’s professional mindset, obstacles that he had to overcome, his motivations in life and his perspective on teamwork (we conduct the seminar under the Chatham House Rule so I’m not able to share Adam’s insightful responses).
We all need role models. The Chancellor’s Scholars are on an educational path to become great community and national leaders. It’s a pleasure for me to introduce them to the best of Calgary’s leaders.
