Officials from the University of Windsor and telecomm provider Telus celebrate the launch of the Chancellor’s Leadership Series of lectures. From left: UWindsor president Robert Gordon; Telus senior VP of financial services Keith Nugara; UWindsor chancellor Mary Jo Haddad; Telus executive VP people and culture Sandy McIntosh.
Nurturing the leaders of tomorrow is the focus of a five-year series of lectures announced Thursday by University of Windsor chancellor Mary Jo Haddad during a dinner at Caesars Windsor attended by more than 200 community leaders and UWindsor supporters.
The Chancellor’s Leadership Series, presented by Telus, will be aimed at four pillars, highlighting key insights across innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and diversity from top business leaders across Canada, with the goal of helping young Canadians reach their full potential. In support of the program, Telus will give $250,000 to the University of Windsor.
The dinner, hosted by the University of Windsor Alumni Association, was the first in the series and saw Dr. Haddad share her vast knowledge and experience as a CEO, children’s advocate, and expert in strategic innovation.
“Leadership is so critically important to Canada and the world we live in today,” Haddad said. “I want it to be a focal point for students, for youth, and for our communities as we start talking about how we educate on leadership and how we mentor and promote great leaders in this great country.”
She credited Telus, a Vancouver-based telecommunications company, for helping to bring the series to life: “Telus strongly believes in not only investing in communities, but also investing in youth — youth development and leadership. They are really the perfect partner and did not hesitate to join myself and the University of Windsor on the journey of supporting this new, innovative program.”
Haddad said it’s wonderful to be back in Windsor as chancellor and she appreciates the opportunity to have a positive impact on students and youth in the community.
“That’s why I’m here and what’s important to me is the whole tenet of leadership,” she said. “The University of Windsor has a phenomenal opportunity with some great programming and faculty to enable students to really embrace their fullest potential in what they can give back to communities around the world.”
Eros Spadotto, executive vice-president of technology strategy and business transformation at Telus, said the company is privileged to invest in Canada’s future.
“I am proud to work for an organization that supports remarkable programs dedicated to fostering the growth and development of today’s youth to become leaders of tomorrow, such as the Chancellor’s Leadership Series,” he said. “At Telus, we have a legacy of giving where we live, driving powerful and positive social outcomes in education, health and environment.”
University of Windsor president Robert Gordon said the Chancellor’s Leadership Series will create transformational and lasting community impact.
“I really credit Telus for embracing and supporting the chancellor’s vision that leaders of the future should be nurtured and supported today so they can contribute their gifts and skills tomorrow,” said Dr. Gordon. “This is the ideal corporate partnership and we are extremely grateful to Telus for their very important contribution.”