Normally, summer is meant for resting and catching up, but this year we find ourselves in a real summer incubator of activities and new developments!
Earlier this summer, I represented SPU internationally. First in Rome where I met with the leadership of Catholic postsecondary institutions – those affiliated with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and members of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. These exchanges also included an enlightening audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, where he called on universities like SPU to play an essential role in upholding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Then in France, where we signed a partnership agreement with the University of Nîmes – a like-minded institution with a lot of potential for cultural, academic and research-oriented collaborations. I also visited the Maison des étudiants canadiens (MEC) at the Cité internationale universitaire, where we’ve initiated a series of collaborations, including a walking seminar in Paris.
Building on this momentum, I’m pleased to announce that Rebecca McGuire-Snieckus, co-director of Global Academies of Liberal Arts (GALA) and former Dean at Bath Spa University in England, is joining us for six months to lead important files on strategic partnerships and internationalization. It’s already underway – we are in the process of finalizing important and promising agreements for the University.
Here on campus, we’ve also had some major developments. We’ve welcomed two new members to the leadership team: Mélodie Sorrell as Vice-Rector of Administration, and Luc Fournier as Secretary General, Governance and University Life. Their recognized experience and expertise precede them. It has only been a few weeks, but I have already enjoyed working with them immensely.
On the research front, we’ve got a lot to be excited about. After several months of hard work, we are optimistic about the three nominations we have submitted for the Impact+ Research Chairs. We will also soon be announcing a competition for our very first Canada Research Chairs – a moment full of possibilities in terms of research and new student recruitment.
Speaking of research chairs, we recently announced Sophie Cloutier as the Research Chair for Diversity and Hospitality in the French-Speaking World, which is affiliated with the Collège des chaires de recherche sur le monde francophone.
Finally, we are in a great phase of outreach. We are working with an external partner to launch a major funding campaign for the University, we are strengthening our relationship with the alumni community, and our recruitment team is gearing up for a busy season of connecting with prospective students in Canada and abroad!
I would like to express my gratitude to every member of our community for your commitment and hard work. Our University’s success is a direct result of your collaboration and contributions and I’m proud of the learning and research environment we are building together. I have often heard Saint Paul University described as a hidden gem. Well, that gem is being discovered, and people are taking notice of us. Let’s be proud of that, and let’s dare to reach our full potential.
