I enjoyed reading ‘Mythologies of Outer Space’. The book reaffirms in my mind that the exploration of space cannot be regarded simply as a research and development undertaking. The hard part of future exploration will be managing the spectrum of partners and the diversity of interests so that we can explore safely, sustainably, equitably and peacefully.
Although I no longer serve as Chancellor of the University of Calgary, I remain in touch with my undergraduate school and help out when I can. I was pleased when Professor Mark Migotti of the Department of Philosophy invited me back to campus recently to meet with his Arts and Science Honours Academy students. The […]
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 its dynamic role in the Calgary community, and to work with many of its impassioned supporters from our campus and elsewhere. A special highlight was […]
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 scientist, scholar and health-care leader. I noted that university Senator Jocelyn Lockyer, a professor in our Department of Community Health Sciences, spearheaded the nomination for […]
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 significantly, he helped craft a new strategic plan for Senate that will guide our actions until 2019. Gord is retiring as a senator and participated […]
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 alumnus with stellar accomplishments in theoretical computer science. I noted that Professor Robert Woodrow helped prepare the nomination package for Dr. Pulleyblank. Robert first met […]
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 […]